The Suzuka Circuit, home to some of the most iconic sights and corners on the Formula One calendar.
From the famous Ferris wheel that overlooks the main straight, the ‘Snake’ that twists through Sector 1 and the mind-blowing speed of 130R. There’s no surprise that the Japanese track has built a reputation over its 30-year history akin to the great European venues like Silverstone and Spa Francorchamps.
Yet since the tragic crash that would eventually claim the life of Jules Bianchi two years ago, the love, at least I had, for Suzuka has wained a little.
Last year’s race was far from a classic but as I watched the cars make their way around what in many ways is a real-life scaletrix track, the joy of watching the cars swing through the Esses or fly through 130R into the final chicane just wasn’t there.
I’m not saying I no longer like Suzuka, but somehow after what happened in 2014 all I kept thinking was whether the venue is safe enough for F1 in modern times.
The circuit is still very old-school in that many corners are flanked by gravel traps, awaiting the careless driver, and the distances between the track and the barriers are some of the smallest among the permanent racing facilities on the schedule.
Room for development at Suzuka is very limited because of the topography and the unique figure-of-eight layout means the expansion of run-off at one corner would come at the expense of another.
As a consequence, this means the circuit can not simply evolve as many other classic venues have had to, and therefore, the level of danger is perhaps a bit higher than at other tracks around the world.
Many will probably read that and think well ‘what’s wrong with it?’ after all we complain just as much about the tarmac paradises like Bahrain with endless amounts of run-off.
But the issue with it is, it leaves the door wider open for extreme incidents such as Bianchi’s to take place and as a consistent push is made to make other circuits safer, surely that same push needs to apply to Suzuka as well.
Safety was part of the reason why Imola was taken off the calendar, and over the last 10 years, circuit owners have been working on upgrading the facilities. Now that work is nearing completion and once again there was speculation of F1 returning to the Italian circuit.
The Fuji Speedway likewise has changed dramatically over the years to keep up with modern standards. At one point watching last year’s race, I did wonder whether the sport should consider moving back to the circuit which last hosted F1 in 2008.
But, regardless of my feelings, Suzuka is still a great track, a phenomenal track and will hopefully put on an awesome show this weekend.
Maybe my concerns are unfounded and I’m simply thinking too deeply about it, but while ever there is a fear that somehow 2014 could repeat itself, it’s going to be very hard to love Suzuka like I once did.
