Medium downforce and stiff suspension. About the track he said, “Suzuka is one of my favorite circuits, and I also think one of the best tracks as well. Medium downforce and stiff suspension. HOW WOULD THE TRACK BE LAID OUT? Race distance – 53 laps = 307.471 kilometres. Ferrari’s New Track Toy Is a De-Restricted Race Car Making 2,200 Pounds of Downforce at 143 MPH And since it doesn't have any rules to abide by, it makes 690 horsepower. It's back to back races for McLaren Honda as we travel from Kuala Lumpur to Suzuka, Top travel tips from the team, in association with Hilton, 5.807km/3.608 miles (5th longest track of the year – longest: Spa-Francorchamps, shortest: Monaco), 350m/0.217 miles (longest of season: Barcelona 730m/0.454 miles), 900m/0.559 miles, on the approach to Turn 16 (longest of the season: Baku, 2.1km/1.305 miles), 320km/h/199mph, on the approach to Turn 16 (fastest of season: Monza, 360km/h/224mph), 65 per cent (highest of the season: Monza, 75 per cent). There's no atmosphere like Suzuka when you come out of that last chicane and the grandstand from the chicane to Turn 1 is completely full. All attributes of a car must be strong in order to result in a competitive lap time in Suzuka, but the emphasis is on Aerodynamic efficiency, high-speed downforce and good change of direction. On the other hand, the Suzuka Circuit in Japan is one that would be a classic "downforce track" since it contains many intricate turns. Previously, the record was set in 2005 by Kimi Räikkönen with a time of 1:31.540. The unofficial all-time track record is 1:27.064, set by Sebastian Vettel during final qualifying for the aforementioned 2019 race. The official race lap records at the Suzuka Circuit are listed as: Or the abrupt chicane following the fastest section of the track that racers frequently prepare for too late. Everything about Suzuka rewards a … This would have been a great circuit for the current and modern F1 cars with high downforce. And let us know what race track you want us to cover next in the comments below. Along with Fuji Speedway, the Suzuka Circuit was one of the four tracks featured in the video game Pole Position II. Take your pick. Physically you have to manhandle the bike from your left to right to left to right. Magnussen is not alone in this sentiment, as Suzuka is a driver's track, where racecars can be pushed to the absolute limit even without being stuck to the track via maximum downforce. “I am not surprised to see them at the front. But it's the thrill ride it provides that encourages competitors to continue flocking in groves, and makes Suzuka a favorite amongst professionals. So, just imagine being in a sauna and you getting uncomfortable and your eyes start to get salty sweat going in your eyes. For a superbike race like the Suzuka eight hours that takes place in July, this is especially brutal due to the intense heat motorcycle racers already experience. Aj Caldwell: Hey, I'm AJ. The first Suzuka race, the #38 [Cerumo car of Hiroaki Ishiura and Yuji Tachikawa] had gear selection trouble. These tracks have long straights and high-speed corners. The Japan Grand Prix is one of the drivers’ favourite races, as they push their skill at this technical, high-speed circuit.. It’s also a highlight for the fans. As intense as 130 R is though, Suzuka is a roller coaster from the start, as the track's first turn leads directly into a section known as the Snake curves, a series of back-to-back winding corners that makes up Turns 3 to 6, and allowing racers to reach speeds as much as 130 mph while twisting through. Sun Nov 14, 2021 7:50 pm. “Absolutely. A high downforce track is a circuit where most of a car’s performance over the course of a lap can be attributed to the aerodynamic downforce it produces rather than the power of its engine. In the #38 car we used low downforce, and there is big difference in the braking [between the two approaches]." Increased Downforce 1:38.948 Balanced/Default 1:40.057 Sochi Autodrom Increased Top Speed 1:34.896 Balanced/Default 1:36.064 Suzuka International Racing Course Increased Downforce 1:31.159 Balanced/Default 1:31.943 Suzuka International Racing Course [Short] Increased Downforce 0:36.503 "For example, at Fuji there was high downforce and one car on low downforce, so two cars raced with almost opposite settings. These intense corners lead to drivers encountering a high level of lateral g-forces on their body, the highest being up to 3.5 at the notorious 130 R turn. Too little and you won’t have the confidence to attack the track’s twists and turns. The Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix venue, which hosts the fifth and sixth rounds of the seven-round 2020 season, will be the third new track Tatiana has had to adapt to in her first season racing in the East Asian … The usual compromise is a high-downforce setup comparable to that which ran at Silverstone. Best overtaking spot: It has to be Turn 1. Would you like to view the site in 中国? Some corners you feel like the walls are really close because of the speed. But Suzuka also has a total elevation change of over 40 meters, forcing racers to struggle with both lateral and vertical g-forces pressing on their bodies throughout. Alex: The mental concentration you need, because every little movement you do on the bike in the rain is transferred to the tires and it could cause the bike to slip and slide. It's not very high downforce due to the straights, and also fairly easy on the brakes. It just goes past in the blink of an eye because you're just focused on apex to apex. Drivers are aided by Suzuka’s high level of grip. McLaren. Drivers are aided by Suzuka’s high level of grip. The Japanese crowd is passionate and knowledgable and the Suzuka layout has grown in popularity as the years have passed. Visit our cookie policy to find out more about our use of cookies and how to opt out. In Suzuka we made some steps, but we knew that coming here it would not be so easy. Because of the base levels of downforce these 2019 F1 cars have, you don't need the wing angles to be high, despite the frequency of high-speed corners around Suzuka. Shame that this year is the last Suzuka 1000 as well :(. Toyota not strong enough in high-downforce spec Suzuka - Japan Downforce Level - Medium-High Pitlane time loss - 18 Seconds Yeongam - South Korea Downforce Level - Medium-High Pitlane time loss - -New Delhi - India Downforce Level - -Pitlane time loss - -Yas Marina - Abu Dhabi Downforce Level - High Pitlane time loss - 20 Seconds Interlagos - Brasil Downforce Level - Medium-High You need to keep it clean and smooth in order to be fast. 2 TikTokers have been charged and could face jail time for throwing a massive 21st birthday party that violated LA's COVID-19 orders, prosecutors say. A high downforce track is a circuit where most of a car’s performance over the course of a lap can be attributed to the aerodynamic downforce it produces rather than the power of its engine. Alex: So, it's obviously fantastic cause you got a lot of grip, and you can really push the bike. It's got so many cool elements as a track, and when you string them together and do a good lap time, there's no better buzz. And because it's older, the pavement is, well old, making it rougher than more refined modern tracks. Jonathan Rea: It's physically demanding because you need your bike to be quick turning. To be fast, a driver needs a stable rear end and a responsive front end. “Suzuka is a proper drivers’ track and it is definitely one of my favourite circuits of the year,” said Pérez. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. That may be its fatal flaw. It’s not very high downforce due to the straights, and also fairly easy on the brakes. Red Supersoft, yellow Soft and white Medium compounds – the eighth time this combination has been used in 2017. The high speeds that the 4.5km, Oyama based circuit offers is a draw to many enthusiasts and Tamura has been a fan of the international race track for quite some time. Niccolò: That corner is an amazing corner, and it's really difficult to find actually a good braking point at 300 kph. They cause the track to change at a moment's notice. So, cars with low downforce and good horsepower will have an upper hand during the race. Teams normally run high downforce: pushing down on the tyres to help cornering. The duo scored Haas F1 Team’s second double-points result in last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, with Magnussen finishing eighth and Grosjean right behind in ninth Narrator: Suzuka also has some incredibly tight sections, some of the tightest being only 10 meters wide. During your hour stint you could use maybe two and a half kilos or three kilos of fluid from your body. Originally named for it's 130-meter radius, the infamous turn takes place on the bridge that overlaps the course. Narrator: Suzuka was originally built as a Honda test track back in 1962, which explains its harrowing layout that most likely couldn't pass today's standards. To sum up – from the point of view of a Suzuka engineer, it requires higher than average downforce and a harder suspension. So it's really something that you hold your breath during that corner, at every lap for eight hours. A new Trevor Harris designed tub was introduced. Statistics like that have placed it amongst racing's most intimidating corners. Since then, the MotoGP racing series has not returned to Suzuka. The corners come thick and fast and you don’t want to use the kerbs aggressively because you risk being knocked off-line. of downforce at 200 mph with 1,435 lbs. “There would be a lot of high-speed corners. And hey, it’s got a crossover, which is always cool, right? "Yes, definitely. Narrator: Erratic blind corners, limited run-off areas, speeds upwards of 200 mph. Alex: It's not just the temperature outside. Mercedes will cream Ferrari there. Suzuka is one of the special places Formula 1 goes racing. That allows the engineers to stiffen the car and lower the front end, all in search of high-speed grip. The Suzuka International Racing Course (鈴鹿国際レーシングコース, Suzuka Kokusai Rēsingu Kōsu), more famously known as the Suzuka Circuit (鈴鹿サーキット, Suzuka Sākitto), is a motorsport race track located in Ino, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan and operated by Mobilityland Corporation, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co, Ltd.It has a capacity of 155,000. The Suzuka Circuit is a proper Formula One track, especially the first part which is uphill and has lots of changes of direction and high speed corners. I couldn't work it out, cause there just seemed to be corners everywhere. Narrator: Between a confusingly tangled design, its infamously challenging corners and frequently unbearable weather, Suzuka remains Japan's most difficult and hazardous track. High Downforce. It's kind of a roller coaster. Everything about Suzuka rewards a … The Suzuka International Racing Course was originally designed as a Honda test track. I think it’s very special. But competitors continue flocking there, for some of the world's biggest motor sport events. If not, adjust the car to the level of downforce you feel comfortable with. One of the greatest tracks used in Formula One racing today, Japan's Suzuka circuit is a massive test of car and driver ability. Suzuka is definitely a track that tests driver skill. Just last year, the Japanese Grand Prix was nearly canceled due to Typhoon Hagibis, the largest tropical storm of the year. Accept, We have noticed that you are using the English version of our web site. As was the case at Sepang last weekend, Suzuka is a smooth circuit. and L/D increased to 4.6:1. Narrator: One of Suzuka's biggest dangers though, is the weather. Suzuka is the only figure of 8 clockwise circuit on the calendar, with 8 left-hand and 10 right-hand corners, and an emphasis on high corner speed. The track is in the Mie Prefecture, located on Japan's southeast coastline, well known for seeing unpredictable heavy rain. For example Montreal (f1 circuit) is a track where you need low downforce to be competitive. Left-hand side of the track: Lap record* 1’31.540 (Kimi Raikkonen, 2005) Fastest lap: 1’27.319 (Lewis Hamilton, 2017, qualifying three) Maximum speed: 328kph (203.81 mph) DRS zone/s (race) Pit straight: Distance from grid to turn one: 405m: Car performance: Full throttle: 66%: Longest flat-out section: 994m: Downforce level: High: Gear changes per lap: 48: Fuel use … Distance from Downtown: 7.7 km (4.8 mi) to Downtown Suzuka. The relatively old asphalt abuses tires, as the rough surface provides solid traction. "It's a low downforce track," … 2020 Bahrain GP Track May Not Suit Ferrari. And despite numerous safety changes, including added barriers, additional tarmac runoff areas, and adjustments to the notorious 130 R corner, Suzuka is an old-school track that will always rank among the world's most dangerous. We will probably deal with various strategies, and the fate of the competition will be decided only in the last phase of the race. Answer: Spa - obviously not as extreme as the old Spa but still one of the most challenging circuits in the world. It's really fast and it's so grippy that we can touch our elbows in some corners with rain tires. Times Syndication Service. I would take Maggots and Becketts from Silverstone, sector 2 from Budapest, and sector 1 from Suzuka. Continue this thread. It’s not very high downforce due to the straights, and also fairly easy on the brakes. Narrator: But while the track's overall design causes enough problems for racers, Suzuka is most famous for the previously mentioned 130 R corner. Complicating the track further are a total of 18 different corners. Only one of Suzuka’s 17 corners is taken at less than 100km/h/62mph. Close, We have noticed that you are using the English version of our web site. Suzuka, Japan. 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. Downforce was now around 8,000 lbs., L/D between 4.6-4.75. It is known as a high downforce circuit, with a generally bumpy surface, There is moderate grip levels and high brake wear. Low. We are bringing a new front wing to Suzuka. A high downforce track is a circuit where most of a car’s performance over the course of a lap can be attributed to the aerodynamic downforce it produces rather than the power of its engine. High downforce tracks will have fewer and shorter straights than low downforce tracks, with more of an emphasis on corners. But even when a torrential downpour leads to red flags and postponements of a race, the asphalt is still left slick wet. Tatiana Calderón will make her first appearance at Japan’s legendary Suzuka Circuit this weekend as her maiden campaign in the Super Formula championship continues. How to set up your car for Suzuka An optimum setup across the whole lap is a compromise between high and medium downforce. Now to deactivate DRS and allow the rear wing to come back into play a braking zone is required as DRS cancels immediately on … Race Track Setup - High Downforce Race Car For Sim Racers and motor sport engineers - vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics and perfecting (high downforce) race … After Formula 1 driver Allan McNish's violent crash in 2002 at the turn's approaching bump, 130 R was redesigned as a double-apex, one with an 85-meter radius and a second featuring a 340-meter radius. … Who holds the fastest lap at Monaco? These would add overtaking options for the drivers. 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. Every lap you have to overtake somebody, and sometimes it's really challenging because the track is narrow and it's not so easy. The ''problem'' with most tracks is that you have long straights in combination with a lot of corners, so it's hard to find the right balance. Narrator: Summers is Suzuka can be scorching hot as well, with temperatures frequently reaching a high of at least 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The Autodromo Nazionale Monza (Monza) in Italy is a classic "power track" since it is relatively straight. That and the high downforce generated on the long straights means tyre management will be a factor. Niccolò: If you want to fight for the victory, if you want to fight for the top five, you have to overtake all the time somebody. Track characteristics. Ferrari’s New Track Toy Is a De-Restricted Race Car Making 2,200 Pounds of Downforce at 143 MPH And since it doesn't have any rules to abide by, it makes 690 horsepower. Tonio is now fully up to speed and has completed perhaps the most physical event of the year in Singapore. Low downforce is needed for tracks with long straights where you need a high topspeed during qualy and race. Previous / Suzuka Super GT: ... especially at this track when it’s high-downforce with high load on the tyres,” Baguette told Motorsport.com. Suzuka is more low downforce and should suit the car well. My numbers indicate that it would be more of a low downforce track. ... corner speed, grip levels, and track surface are of interest. A mistake through one corner will compromise the others. Suzuka is definitely a track that tests driver skill.” So, you have to take some bigger risks sometimes. Most of which are blind. But it’s a track that’s got everything: high speed, slow-speed corners, a long straight, heavy braking – which is why it’s a great test track. Suzuka – 5.807 kilometres. High downforce tracks will have fewer and shorter straights than low downforce tracks, with more of an emphasis on corners. The relatively old asphalt abuses tires, as the rough surface provides solid traction. Set-up strategy: You need downforce, downforce, downforce! Plus both drivers know and enjoy the circuit so their confidence will be high. Suzuka's Roller Coaster of Classic Racing Thrills. 4y. “I love its flow and the high speeds, especially in the first sector. How do you achieve this balance? Pirelli are bringing the tougher supersoft, soft and medium tyres with them this weekend, due to the lower temperatures and rougher track expected at Suzuka. It’s not very high downforce due to the straights, and also fairly easy on the brakes. Would you like to view the site in Español? Track is quite narrow, making overtaking tricky, so strategy can make the difference. ... Suzuka track facts. But of course, when you crash in the rain, it's like, you start sliding and you never stop. Generally, there are high levels of wear and degradation: two stops was the winning strategy last year, with varied tactics. Like the intense Degner Curves, that include a sudden 90 degree right-hander at Turn 9. Pirelli are bringing the tougher supersoft, soft and medium tyres with them this weekend, due to the lower temperatures and rougher track expected at Suzuka. hmmm I am not sure I agree that yas marina is a high downforce track. Read in app. The asphalt is grippy and the high speeds produce high levels of downforce. There can be a risk of graining: especially during the early stages of … These are just a few of the features that make Japan's legendary Suzuka Circuit the country's most dangerous race track. For Suzuka, downforce is needed as there are a lot of corners. That and the high downforce generated on the long straights means tyre management will be a factor. As was the case at Sepang last weekend, Suzuka is a smooth circuit. Tyre choice It didn't change much at all when the circuit was renovated in 2002, but because of the change in the rest of the circuit it's character changed completely. Magnussen is not alone in this sentiment, as Suzuka is a driver’s track, where racecars can be pushed to the absolute limit even without being stuck to … In addition, Suzuka is a power track, with significant full throttle sections running into Turns 1, 13 and 16, which should favour those with Ferrari and Mercedes power units. Suzuka is a driver’s track, where racecars can be pushed to the absolute limit even without being stuck to the track via maximum downforce. Character: A circuit everyone knows too well! High downforce tracks will have fewer and shorter straights than low downforce tracks, with more of an emphasis on corners. Generally, there are high levels of wear and degradation: two stops was the winning strategy last year, with varied tactics. High. For 1988, aerodynamics were tweaked again during the off-season. Its most unique feature is the figure eight that crosses at turns 9 and 15. High. The R91CP could generate 6,155 lbs. With this in mind, are you expecting a more competitive showing in Suzuka? 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. Is Monaco a high downforce track? Year Opened: 1962. The first thing race car drivers and motorcyclists notice about the track is its design. Often copied, never equaled, turns 3 to 6 at Suzuka are the ultimate test for a Formula 1 car. In Suzuka we made some steps, but we knew that coming here it would not be so easy. That allows the engineers to stiffen the car and lower the front end, all in search of high-speed grip. This can lead to quicker degradation and overheating of the tires. 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! So, if you're gonna try and pass there, you need to make sure you're really aggressive. Fuji and Suzuka should be interesting. "In the sixth race, there were some cars that had damaged their aerodynamics and we think that’s why they were unable to show their true performance level." Suzuka is narrow and fast, and it’s a track at which mistakes are punished. Getting the right set-up is essential, to be able to stick to the optimal racing line. As you might expect, the Monza track is home to the fastest lap time ever recorded. 2015 F1 Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka. But it's the technical racing required for this section that is most challenging. Why Suzuka Circuit is Japan's most dangerous race track. But a least I could choose the most appropriate default setup for a given track. Only 10 per cent of the lap is spent braking. That might be such a high downforce track that all the fun corners become flat. This was his 5th win of the season. Yes, a bit more favorable then COTA and Suzuka, but still a high downforce track. “Suzuka is a proper drivers’ track and it is definitely one of my favourite circuits of the year,” said Pérez. Suzuka is an interesting track. I'd say Suzuka is a clear high speed/high speed corner track. When you're on a bike down the straight, you got all the engine temperature, all the temperature of the brakes and everything. Japan's legendary Suzuka Circuit easily ranks as the country's most dangerous race track. Niccolò Canepa: I'm inside of the FIM safety board. There is a mixture of mid- to high-speed corners, with multiple lateral and vertical directional changes where downforce is key. Downforce was now in the region of 7,000 lbs. Suzuka mounted the Pershing wing very low, below rear deck height, using it as an underwing extractor. Unfortunately, this track is no longer on the formula one calendar. The track is very challenging with high-speed corners, sweeping curves and straights punctuated by slow speed corners. Previous / Suzuka Super GT: ... “I know the Dunlop tyre behaves really well when it’s hot, especially at this track when it’s high-downforce with high load on the tyres,” Baguette told Motorsport.com. The section calls for four perfectly rhythmic turns, one after the other. Niccolò: With the Formula 1 car, they almost go flat out around there, but with a motorcycle it's really really difficult and you have to be really precise. You go so fast in some corners, I don't wanna think about what can happen, you know. Sector 1 is the power sector but could still go Red Bull's way because of the … Narrator: Over the years, the turn has been forced to undergo a number of changes to its layout. How to set up your car for Suzuka An optimum setup across the whole lap is a compromise between high and medium downforce. In 1991, Suzuka received a phone call, “While working for NISMO in Japan, I was summoned by Don Devendorf.” 5 is high downforce, 1 is low. However, this led to 130 R's following Casio triangle chicane, being closer. I am specialized (as well as in the previous years) in circuits where efficiency counts. Alex: After Turn 1 all the way to Turn 6, you need to be really patient if you're behind somebody cause it's pretty much one line. You have to have a very good and high-downforce package and a very stiff set-up, so the car reacts quickly and feels more alive. But it’s a track that’s got everything: high speed, slow-speed corners, a long straight, heavy braking – … Just last year, it was the scene of a very embarrassing crash for racer Tetsuta Nagashima during only a warmup lap. Imagine putting a helmet on. The best drivers and cars usually excel at Suzuka because it’s a very unforgiving racetrack. Prices for new and used cars are soaring as the COVID-19 pandemic skews supply and demand, Jeff Bezos criticized for celebrating Blue Origin launch before addressing Amazon warehouse collapse, Thanks to Squid Game and BTS, more Indians are now learning Korean, Trump asked his Afghanistan envoy if the US could give the Taliban money to 'make them cooperate', Retail inflation inches up to 4.91% in November, UK sees first death due to Omicron variant, says Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Asus launches Chromebook CX1101 with Celeron N4020 processor and 11.6-inch display, WhatsApp's new privacy update prevents unknown contacts, third-party apps from seeing user's online status, DRDO’s Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo (SMART) — all you need to know. Qatar is like if Silverstone Barcelona and Motegi had a flat track offspring. The high altitude means that if we changed nothing on the car, we would have a lot less downforce than at the last round as the air is thinner, which also results in better straight-line performance. On a fast track, it makes for a bad combination.