F1 2023: Japanese GP - Suzuka (Sep 24)

[GuidoK]

F1 2023: Japanese GP - Suzuka (Sept 24)

Schedule:
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2023/Japan.html

Suzuka International Racing Course

Suzuka
When was the track built?

In 1962. Soichiro Honda, whose car company you may have heard of, was a man with big ambitions. Seeking to turn Honda into an automotive powerhouse, he decided his company should have its own test track. Dutchman John Hugenholtz got the nod, and drew up the now-iconic ‘crossover’ Suzuka track – although original drawings saw the track pass over and under itself a full three times, which would have been sweet!
When was its first Grand Prix?

Despite most people agreeing that Suzuka is a worthy successor to sliced bread in the ‘Best Thing’ stakes, the Japanese track was a relative latecomer to the F1 calendar, making its first appearance in 1987. Nigel Mansell would remember that weekend well, after he suffered a crash in qualifying that ruled him out of the race, gifting that year’s championship to his bitter rival Nelson Piquet.
What’s the circuit like?

Show us a racing a driver who doesn’t love Suzuka, and we’ll show you a liar. The high-speed track remains one of the ultimate driving challenges, with the snaking ‘S’ Curves, the two commitment-rewarding Degners and the white-knuckle ride of 130R all highlights in a series of highlights at what is one of F1’s seminal tracks. And hey, it’s got a crossover, which is always cool, right?
Why go?

A track that has witnessed an unfair share of legendary F1 moments (not least between Messrs Prost and Senna), a unique set of fans with an unabashed commitment to playing Formula 1 dress-up, a Ferris wheel, and great food. Okay, for most of us it’s a long slog to get there, but surely a better question is: ‘Why not go?’
Where is the best place to watch?

Take your pick. Grandstands D and E overlook the ‘S’ Curves, giving you an amazing chance to watch downforce and commitment working in perfect harmony as the drivers negotiate the sinuous turns. Elsewhere, the left flank of Grandstand G places you at the inside of 130R, which should be a bit of a treat, while if it’s overtaking you want, Grandstand I will give you a view of the incident-attracting Hairpin.

2022 Race Highlights:

2022 Thread:
https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1959033

[GuidoK]

So last year's race was quite the spectacle with the intense rain.

One very noticeable incident is that Pierre Gasly was suddenly confronted with a tractor on the track in very poor visibility circumstances, which was a huge mistake from the FIA.
Strangely enough this is not mentioned in the race highlights video of the official formula 1 (FOM) youtube channel (above), but video's of this are of course all over youtube:

Due to poor visibility, the tractor is suddenly there. Did you see it coming earlier than 2sec?
Gasly is going on a rant. The FIA didn't realise he was still on track and send the tractor out!

That this incredible safety error had to happen on Suzuka of all places, the track where the last F1 casualty died (Jules Bianchi) in similar circumstances makes this quite a morbide coincidence, and gave the signal that the organisation there hadn't learned from their mistakes.
This also saw the exit of Eduardo Freitas as rotating race director from F1 as he was the main person responsible as race director and there was a lot of critique on this. The FIA reluctantly admitted it after an investigation.
Let's hope this never happens again.

[GuidoK]

So what are your predictions?
After Singapore's surprising finish, can RB regain dominance?
Or is rain going to be a factor?

Suzuka is a very fast track, so aero is a big factor.
My prediction:
1. VER
2. RUS
3. NOR
4. PIA
5. HAM

I won't mention Ferrari as that seems to influence their results
Ferrari definately won't make it to the podium

[M5Rick]

1 VER
2 LEC
3 SAI
4 per
5 rus
6 ALO

[dfox]

1 - ver
2 - lec
3 - nor
4 - per
5 - ham

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

So what are your predictions?
After Singapore's surprising finish, can RB regain dominance?
Or is rain going to be a factor?

Suzuka is a very fast track, so aero is a big factor.
My prediction:
1. VER
2. RUS
3. NOR
4. PIA
5. HAM

I won't mention Ferrari as that seems to influence their results
Ferrari definately won't make it to the podium

Today at the company I asked my Japanese colleague engineers how next weekend the weather will be at Suzuka ?

They said to me : Currently it rains a lot in Japan , but for next weekend It's sunny , warm and 30°C.
The HONDA PU won't be wet !
Further they said : MAX...MAX...MAX....SUPER-MAX !

Thanks for posting my friend . As usual , great job !

[3798j]

.

[Roman]

1 - VER
2 - Someone other than VER
3 - One of the 18 remaining

How's that for a bold prediction?

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Further they said : MAX...MAX...MAX....SUPER-MAX !

Cool japanese collegues you have

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Cool japanese collegues you have

友よありがとう

[M5Rick]

Vettel is back with a buzz
https://racingnews365.com/vettel-set...at-japanese-gp

[///M Power-Belgium]

*10 !!!

MAX wins 10 races in a row . We are witnessing F1 history !

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

*10 !!!

MAX wins 10 races in a row . We are witnessing F1 history !

..and came just in time! Vettel must be kicking himself that his record was beaten and the greenie is probably 'stung'.

[3798j]

"Oscar Piastri signs McLaren F1 contract extension to end of 2026 season."
Now here's a smart move...by both employee/employer.

https://theathletic.com/4881558/2023...n-f1-contract/

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

1 VER
2 LEC
3 SAI
4 per
5 rus
6 ALO

The World Champion in the Land of the Rising Sun

[///M Power-Belgium]

*****

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

The World Champion in the Land of the Rising Sun

Expecting a bumper crowd to see Max to probably officially clinch the championship, you can't beat the Japanese for being the most enthusiastic with their head gear there.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

*****

Max has shown his JGP helmet which looks great in Honda white, I was wearing my RBR b/hat sweeping up the sand and dirt today from pressure washing the driveway yesterday while it was still dry

[///M Power-Belgium]

Killed by Death => https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw9WguxAPgb/

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Expecting a bumper crowd to see Max to probably officially clinch the championship, you can't beat the Japanese for being the most enthusiastic with their head gear there.

MAX vs Japanese Sumo => https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fORJ_KYB9hU

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

MAX vs Japanese Sumo => https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fORJ_KYB9hU

First round to Max ! Not bad for the beginner

[Killed by Death]