2022 F1 Japanese GP Preview: Back to Suzuka
The first F1 Japanese Grand Prix since 2019 will be held this weekend, the 18th race of the 2022 season, at Suzuka Circuit, a unique circuit with a figure-eight track layout.
If you ask drivers to name their three favorite circuits, most will name this one, which was designed in 1962 by Dutch automobile and circuit designer John Hugenholtz and initially used as a test track for Honda. circuit opened in 1987.
The circuit is 3.6 miles long and is divided in two, with all types of corners, from high-speed corners to flowing link turns, profile curves, chicanes, and hairpins. This makes it a tough challenge for power units that must deliver the full power spectrum without sacrificing drivability or responsiveness.
In addition, there is not a lot of hard braking and, as mentioned earlier, the run-off area is limited, so the driver can never stop working. This is a circuit where finding a rhythm and getting the aero balance right is the key to success. Strategy is also important, as the track is narrow and overtaking is difficult.
The track surface is also the roughest and most abrasive of the year, so tire wear and degradation will be severe. For this reason, Pirelli has designated C1 as white hard, C2 as yellow medium, and C3 as red soft.
Suzuka is also famous for its changeable weather, with typhoons sometimes arriving at this time of year. Friday's practice session saw heavy rain, and the current forecast calls for sunny skies for Saturday's qualifying session, with the possibility of more rain for Sunday's race.
After Friday's free practice, Mercedes-Benz AMG's George Russell was the fastest driver, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen was third fastest and Sergio Perez fourth.
Coming into the weekend, Verstappen leads the 2022 drivers' championship with 341 points. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is second with 237 points and Perez is third with 235 points. In the constructors' championship, Red Bull leads with 576 points, ahead of Ferrari's 439 and Mercedes' 373 The winner of the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix was Valtteri Bottas driving for Mercedes.
