Japanese Grand Prix: 9 October
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Race Track: Suzuka International Racing Course
Location: Suzuka
Raceday: Sunday, 9 October 2005
Time: 1300 (race)[local time]
2004 winner: Michael Schumacher
One of the greatest tracks used in Formula One today, Japan's Suzuka circuit is a massive test of car and driver ability. Built by Honda as a test facility in 1962, the track was designed by Dutchman John Hugenholz, the Hermann Tilke of his day. A huge theme park was also constructed at the track, including the famous big wheel which dominates the Suzuka skyline.
In 1987, having hosted various sportscar and F2 races, and having lost out initially to Fuji in the race to host the Japanese Grand Prix, Honda's influence finally prevailed and the Grand Prix had a new Japanese home. And at Suzuka the race has stayed, providing the scene for many nail-biting end-of-season deciders, including the infamous collisions involving Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.
Suzuka includes some of the Grand Prix calendar's most challenging corners. Among the drivers' favourites are the high-speed 130R and the famous Spoon Curve. On top of this the circuit's figure-of-eight layout makes it unique in Formula One.
Suzuka is located on Ise Bay on the Island of Honshu, in south-central Japan, about 320km from Tokyo and its New International Narita Airport. Osaka's Kansai Airport (150km east of Suzuka) and Nagoya's International Airport (50km south-west) are both closer to the circuit, though they serve fewer international routes.
By road, Suzuka is approximately 400km from Tokyo and 50km from Nagoya. From Tokyo, take the Tomei Expressway and leave at the Suzuka Interchange. From here, the circuit will be clearly sign-posted. Alternatively, take the Meihan Road and leave at the Kameyama Interchange. Follow signs to National Route 1 and the circuit will be signed.
By train, the nearest station to the Suzuka Circuit is Shiroko, which is a 20-minute walk or a 15-minutes bus ride from the track. An express train from Nagoya to Shiroko takes around 40 minutes. -
Motor racing: Japan's Honda to retain BAR structure
SUZUKA, Japan : Honda confirmed that they will retain the current BAR-Honda operating structure when they take over full control of the team next year.
The Japanese engine manufacturer confirmed in Tokyo Tuesday that they will take over the remaining shares in BAR owned by British American Tobacco and re-name the team in 2006.
And at a press briefing in the Suzuka paddock here Thursday Honda President Yasuhiro Wada confirmed: "There will be no major structural changes, the organisational structures and everything will stay as we are today.
"The name might be different, no more BAR, but we haven't finalised the name of team yet."
Nick Fry was installed as the BAR team chief at the end of last year, replacing former boss David Richards, and he has helped turn around a disastrous start to the season into a strong finish.
He confirmed he will be staying at the helm of the new fully-backed Honda team and also revealed the sponsorship with BAT-owned Lucky Strike is expected to continue to the end of 2006.
"Obviously with tobacco sponsorship ending at the end of next year, rather than leave the situation open for another year it was decided between BAT and Honda to clear it up once and for all," said Fry.
"Once all the legal bits and bobs are sorted out it will be 100 percent Honda owned, but there is no change for my future and the plan next season is also to continue with Lucky Strike sponsorship.
"Lucky Strike are keen to continue until the end of 2006, we don't see a lot of change just because the equity has changed."
The news, however, means that the BAR name, which entered the sport in 2000, is likely to be no more after next week's Chinese Grand Prix with this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix its penultimate race.
Their best result remains the second places scored by Briton Jenson Button last year and they are yet to win a race despite a strong season in 2004 and a great optimism for this season.
After finishing second in the constructors' championship last year they took a tumble at the start of this season and have failed to fight for the elusive victory they had expected to attain.
But Fry wants the name to go out on a high and said: "We come to every race with the objective of winning, otherwise we would stay at home and do the gardening.
"Obviously it's been more difficult this year, the car continues to improve. We have upgrades on the car for this Grand Prix and we will be getting more in Shanghai. We are going to push forward and do the best we can." - AFP /ch -
Bad start for McLaren in Japan
McLarenÂ’s chances of retaining their lead in the constructorsÂ’ world championship took a dip this morning when Kimi RaikkonenÂ’s MP4-20 ground to a halt with suspected engine failure in Turn 4 after just eight laps in this morningÂ’s practice session.
The Finn had lapped in 1m 33.486s, which left him only 13th in the order and facing a 10 grid place penalty should he require an engine change.
There was a ray of sunshine on an overcast day for the team, however, after test driver Pedro de la Rosa set the fastest time in 1m 30.532s. This was comfortably faster than Toyota test driver Ricardo Zonta, who managed 1m 31.075s before his TF105B ground to a halt in Turn 8 after 16 laps.
Jenson Button and Takuma Sato have got off to a good start for BAR Honda on the latterÂ’s homeground, the Englishman setting third fastest time of 1m 32.043s, the Japanese the eighth in 1m 32.791s. In between them, David Coulthard got in a quick one for Red Bull in 1m 32.229s to head Brazilian Grand Prix victor Juan Pablo Montoya (1m 32.321s), new world champion Fernando Alonso (1m 32.370s) and Giancarlo Fisichella (1m 32.470s).
Mark Webber lapped his Williams in 1m 33.098s for ninth best time, with Christian Klien completing the top 10 for Red Bull in 1m 33.139s.
Felipe Massa was 11th for Sauber in 1m 33.257s to head Vitantonio Liuzzi in the third Red Bull (1m 33.441s), Raikkonen, Antonio Pizzonia (1m 33.528s), Jacques Villeneuve (who spun approaching the chicane after lapping in 1m 33.645s), Rubens Barrichello (1m 33.700s), Ralf Schumacher (1m 33.735s) and Michael Schumacher (1m 33.886s).
Jarno Trulli was 19th for Toyota with a best lap of 1m 34.535s, while newcomer Sakon Yamamoto, a Toyota GT and Formula Nippon racer, lapped fastest of the three Jordan drivers in an impressive 1m 36.295s to run ahead of Christijan AlbersÂ’ Minardi (1m 37.153s), Narain KarthikeyanÂ’s Jordan (1m 37.154s), Tiago Monteiro (1m 37.250s) and Robert DoornbosÂ’s Minardi (1m 38.742s).
Right now the sky is very heavy, and with rain forecast for the rest of the day this might turn out to be the only time today that the cars ran on dry road. -
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Toyota have brought the revised TF105 to this race, Honda announced their takeover of BAR on Tuesday and Kimi Räikkönen has been slapped with yet another 10-place grid penalty after an engine failure today.
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yes... and they prove its worthyOriginally posted by Kuali Baba:Toyota have brought the revised TF105 to this race, Honda announced their takeover of BAR on Tuesday and Kimi Räikkönen has been slapped with yet another 10-place grid penalty after an engine failure today.
except for the swimming part
last 5 cars out were struggling...
qualyfying results out soon -
Pos No Driver Team Laps Time/Retired Grid Points
3 man didnt finish... tiago monteiro skidded of during his warm up lap while trulli was on hios flying lap
1 17 Ralf Schumacher Toyota 1:46.106
2 3 Jenson Button BAR-Honda 1:46.141
3 6 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 1:46.276
4 15 Christian Klien Red Bull Racing 1:46.464
5 4 Takuma Sato BAR-Honda 1:46.841
6 14 David Coulthard Red Bull Racing 1:46.892
7 7 Mark Webber Williams-BMW 1:47.233
8 11 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-Petronas 1:47.440
9 2 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1:48.248
10 12 Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas 1:48.278
11 19 Narain Karthikeyan Jordan-Toyota 1:48.718
12 8 Antonio Pizzonia Williams-BMW 1:48.898
13 21 Christijan Albers Minardi-Cosworth 1:50.843
14 1 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:52.676
15 20 Robert Doornbos Minardi-Cosworth 1:52.894
16 5 Fernando Alonso Renault 1:54.667
17 9 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 2:02.309
18 18 Tiago Monteiro Jordan-Toyota
19 16 Jarno Trulli Toyota
20 10 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes
Kimi starts from the last position
Nerain starts ahead of the top 4 drivers -
I can't wait for the race, it's going to be all about pride tomorrow. Toyota vs Honda at home, and let's see if Fisichella can get into the act. And with the fastest cars at the back of the grid it could be France '99 all over again.
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The Japs will certainly love the front grid following yesterday's qualifiers.
1 17 Ralf Schumacher Toyota 1:46.106
2 3 Jenson Button BAR-Honda 1:46.141
3 6 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 1:46.276
4 15 Christian Klien Red Bull Racing 1:46.464
5 4 Takuma Sato BAR-Honda 1:46.841
6 14 David Coulthard Red Bull Racing 1:46.892
7 7 Mark Webber Williams-BMW 1:47.233
8 11 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-Petronas 1:47.440
9 2 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1:48.248
10 12 Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas 1:48.278
11 19 Narain Karthikeyan Jordan-Toyota 1:48.718
12 8 Antonio Pizzonia Williams-BMW 1:48.898
13 21 Christijan Albers Minardi-Cosworth 1:50.843
14 1 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:52.676
15 20 Robert Doornbos Minardi-Cosworth 1:52.894
16 5 Fernando Alonso Renault 1:54.667
17 9 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 2:02.309
18 18 Tiago Monteiro Jordan-Toyota
19 16 Jarno Trulli Toyota
20 10 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes -
From 17th on the grid, Kimi Räikkönen and McLaren masterclass snatch victory from Giancarlo Fisichella on the last lap! Absolutely thrilling!
Renault lead the constructor's championship by just 2 points! It's all to play for next weekend!
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maybe next year kimi will win the world championship.
he is a damn good driver.
cant wait to see valentino rossi drive i formula 1. -
Takuma Sato has been disqualified for his reckless mistake which took out Jarno Trulli and will qualify first next weekend. Jacques Villeneuve has also been penalised for forcing Montoya off the track, but with 25 seconds added to his race time, dropping him to 12th behind Rubens Barrichello.
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Results from the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka:
1 9 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 53 1:29:02.212 17 10
Drivers' standings after the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka:
2 6 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 53 +1.6 secs 3 8
3 5 Fernando Alonso Renault 53 +17.4 secs 16 6
4 7 Mark Webber Williams-BMW 53 +22.2 secs 7 5
5 3 Jenson Button BAR-Honda 53 +29.5 secs 2 4
6 14 David Coulthard Red Bull Racing 53 +31.6 secs 6 3
7 1 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 53 +33.8 secs 14 2
8 17 Ralf Schumacher Toyota 53 +49.5 secs 1 1
9 15 Christian Klien Red Bull Racing 53 +51.9 secs 4
10 12 Felipe Massa Sauber-Petronas 53 +57.5 secs 10
11 2 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 53 +60.6 secs 9
12 11 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-Petronas 53 +83.2 secs 8
13 18 Tiago Monteiro Jordan-Toyota 52 +1 Lap 20
14 20 Robert Doornbos Minardi-Cosworth 51 +2 Laps 15
15 19 Narain Karthikeyan Jordan-Toyota 51 +2 Lap 11
16 21 Christijan Albers Minardi-Cosworth 49 +4 Laps 13
DSQ 4 Takuma Sato BAR-Honda 52 +1 Lap 5
Ret 8 Antonio Pizzonia Williams-BMW 9 Spin 12
Ret 16 Jarno Trulli Toyota 9 Accident 19
Ret 10 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes 0 Accident 18
Fastest Lap: Kimi Räikkönen 1:31.540
Notes: Takuma Sato disqualified for causing collision with Jarno Trulli. 25 seconds added to Jacques Villeneuve's race time for forcing Juan Pablo Montoya off track.Pos Driver Nationality Team Points
Constructors' standings after the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka:
1 Fernando Alonso Spanish Renault 123
2 Kimi Räikkönen Finnish McLaren-Mercedes 104
3 Michael Schumacher German Ferrari 62
4 Juan Pablo Montoya Colombian McLaren-Mercedes 60
5 Giancarlo Fisichella Italian Renault 53
6 Jarno Trulli Italian Toyota 43
7 Ralf Schumacher German Toyota 39
8 Rubens Barrichello Brazilian Ferrari 38
9 Jenson Button British BAR-Honda 36
10 Mark Webber Australian Williams-BMW 34
11 Nick Heidfeld German Williams-BMW 28
12 David Coulthard British Red Bull Racing 24
13 Jacques Villeneuve Canadian Sauber-Petronas 9
14 Felipe Massa Brazilian Sauber-Petronas 8
15 Tiago Monteiro Portuguese Jordan-Toyota 7
16 Alexander Wurz Austrian McLaren-Mercedes 6
17 Narain Karthikeyan Indian Jordan-Toyota 5
17= Christian Klien Austrian Red Bull Racing 5
19 Christijan Albers Dutch Minardi-Cosworth 4
19= Pedro de la Rosa Spanish McLaren-Mercedes 4
21 Patrick Friesacher Austrian Minardi-Cosworth 3
22 Antonio Pizzonia Brazilian Williams-BMW 2
23 Takuma Sato Japanese BAR-Honda 1
23= Vitantonio Liuzzi Italian Red Bull Racing 1Pos Constructor Points
1 Renault 176
2 McLaren-Mercedes 174
3 Ferrari 100
4 Toyota 82
5 Williams-BMW 64
6 BAR-Honda 37
7 Red Bull Racing 30
8 Sauber-Petronas 17
9 Jordan-Toyota 12
10 Minardi-Cosworth 7 -
the last race will be very exciting. only 2 points separate mercedes and renault
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no lah... i say minardi win lah
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Schumacher spins out at lap 34, a safety car lap. That's the end of him this season.
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27/56, the other jordon smashes into a wall, half the car disintegrates. Driver is ok. Track is real messy, safety car out again.
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Eh Ditzy, are you referring to the Shanghai GP? There is a seperate topic for that.
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hahahaaaa stupid blunder