F1 travels to the Land of the Rising Sun this weekend for the Japanese Grand Prix; one of the most historic on the calendar having witnessed everything from champions being crowned to life-ending accidents. History could be made again this year with the retirement of Jenson Button rumored to be announced here as it represents a 'home race’ of sorts for the 2009 World Champion. As for McLaren Honda, after coming off of dual gearbox failures at Marina Bay the outlook for Japan is for their now typical middle-rear pace as Suzuka emphasizes both power and downforce, neither of which their package is best at.
Elsewhere on the grid we can expect Ferrari’s progress to pose a serious challenge for the Silver Arrows of Mercedes as they hope to regain footing after a poor showing at Marina Bay. Red Bull and Williams should change places as outside contenders for a podium as this circuit favors the package of the latter.
US TV SCHEDULE:
Practice, Fri 9/25, 1:00AM-2:30AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Qualifying, Sat 9/26, 2:00AM-3:30AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Race, Sun 9/27, 12:30AM-3:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
CIRCUIT
INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 5.807km (3.608 miles)
Race laps: 53
Race distance: 307.471km (191.054 miles)
Pole position: Left-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’31.540 (228.372 kph) by Kimi Raikkonen, 2005
Fastest lap: 1’28.954 (235.011 kph) by Michael Schumacher, 2006
Maximum speed: 314kph (195.11 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 545m
Car performance
Full throttle: 66%
Longest flat-out section: 994m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap: 48
Fuel use per lap: 1.8kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.054s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 22.551s by Mercedes (see full list)
2014 prime tyre: Hard (2013: Hard)
2014 option tyre: Medium (2013: Medium)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2014 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS
Stats
Pole position: Nico Rosberg
Race laps: 60
Fast race lap: 1:51.600
Podium
Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes
Nico Rosberg – Mercedes
Sebastian Vettel – Red Bull-Renault
CURRENT
STANDINGS
Drivers
Lewis Hamilton 252
Nico Rosberg 211
Sebastian Vettel 203
Constructors
Mercedes 463
Ferrari 310
Williams 198
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