Track: Suzuka Circuit
Number of Laps: 53
Circuit Length: 3.6 miles (5.8km)
Race Length: 191.1 miles (307.6km)
Start Time: 06:00 BST
Fastest Lap: 1:30.532 (Pedro de la Rosa, West McLaren Mercedes, 2005)
Fastest Race Lap: 1:31.540 (Kimi Raikkonen, West McLaren Mercedes, 2005)
2014 Pole Position: Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG Petronas, 1:32.506, Medium Tyres
2014 Race Winner: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG Petronas
Tyre Compounds: Medium, Hard, Intermediate, Wet
First F1 Grand Prix: 1976 (Country), 1987 (Track)
Most Wins: Michael Schumacher (6), McLaren (9)
For the first time, Formula One returns to the scene of Jules Bianchi’s fatal accident when the circus visits Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Sebastian Vettel won last weekend to reignite his title hopes, with Ferrari and Red Bull faster than championship leaders Mercedes practically throughout the weekend. Lewis Hamilton retired for the first time this season, but with his teammate Nico Rosberg only fourth, his championship lead is still over a victory’s worth of points.
Jenson Button is expected to announce his retirement from the sport at some point during the weekend. The 35-year-old is a fan favourite in Japan, whilst his wife, Jessica, is also from the land of the rising sun. The 2009 world champion has suffered a torrid season with McLaren’s new Honda partnership and rather than suffering for another year, the Brit has reportedly decided to call time on his 16 season career.
Japan could well be the twilight of a team as well. Lotus’ ongoing tax case with HMRC was adjourned for a second – and final – time on the Friday of Singapore to allow time for the Renault buyout deal to take place. Should it fall through before the court case on Monday, the team will be placed into administration.
Mercedes are expecting to bounce back from a rare disappointment at Singapore, with the high-speed Suzuka more suited to their usually dominant chassis. Ferrari, though, are on a high after their double podium and will be ready to pounce should the Silver Arrows falter again. Keep an eye on the Williams too, with their low downforce set-up suited to the legendary track.
