Super Suzuka- A track guide
Since its introduction in 1987, Suzuka has established itself as one of the most feared, respected and challenging circuits on the F1 calendar.
It has been the setting for many championship deciders and is synonymous with success. Champions are made at Suzuka. Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Hill, Hakkinen and Vettel to name a few.
Only the best are capable of conquering Asia’s greatest track. It takes nerve, dare and a huge dollop of talent.
It may have now lost its place at the end of the calendar but it still remains a special and unique circuit. As Formula 1 invades Asia a little bit more, Suzuka loses its exclusivity but it will always retain its majesty.
The track, situated in the middle of nowhere, can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, hence its status as a drivers favourite.
It is filled with legendary corners, which all have a story to tell: The spoon curve, the Degners, the chicane, the ‘S’ curves and, most famously of all, the iconic 130R, a corner to rival Spa’s Eau Rouge.
The circuit was designed in 1962 by a Dutchman, John ‘Hans’ Hugenholtz. It is one of only a handful of circuits in the world to have a figure of eight layout. The back straight passes over the front section, making it unique in F1.
After the Fuji Speedway’s grip on the Japanese Grand Prix relinquished in 1987, Suzuka had its chance. It has not looked back since.
Positioned near the end of the season means it has played host too many championship battles, not least the epic duels between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna which have gone down in F1 folklore.
Teammates Senna & Prost worst moment in Japan 1989
Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher have also had legendary fights. Races in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1998, 1999 and 2000 will always be remembered.
In 2005, Fernando Alonso made himself a legend as he pulled off a seemingly impossible overtake on Schumacher round the outside of 130R.
When Formula 1 decided to return to Fuji in 2007, most people spoke out in annoyance. In 2009, Suzuka came back.
Since then, Sebastian Vettel has dominated and epic championship battles have dried up.
But the hunger to see Suzuka on the calendar will never diminish. It is, and always will be, an F1 classic.
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