The Impact of the Suzuka Circuit Figure-8 Layout on the Japanese Grand Prix
There are certainly newer F1 circuits and some that may be considered more prestigious but none have the same iconic layout and outrageous fans cheering the drivers on as they make history on the Suzuka International Racing Course at this year’s Japanese Grand Prix on September 24th.
The Suzuka Circuit layout is one of the most charismatic race courses around; drivers and fans alike have a special place in their favorites for it.
JAPAN
Location: Suzuka, Japan
Most Wins: Michael Schumacher (x6)
First Race: 1987
Circuit Length: 5.807km
Fast Fact: Suzuka seen the world champion crowned 12 times… more than anywhere else 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NCpe5zhZW1— Formula 1 (@F1) February 12, 2023
Drivers’ Favorite
As opposed to some of the newer vanilla courses sprouting up on the formula 1 schedule, the Suzuka Circuit layout has all the texture and character one would want out of an old-school F1 course. The undulations, hairpin turns, and sinister chicanes amongst a unique figure-eight circuit make Suzuka a driver’s favorite.
Ayrton Senna’s hand-drawn map of the Suzuka Circuit depicting gears per sector. October 1993#F1 #Formula1 #retrogp #historicgp @raceliefhebber @EtjeTT pic.twitter.com/V6EWa4JqWu
— Kris van Ditshuizen (@KrisVanD2) November 2, 2021
“It’s an amazing circuit, all the drivers love this circuit because it’s one of the most old-school designs,” said veteran F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.
Recently retired F1 racer and 4x winner of the Japanese Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel, commented, “Since I’ve known the track and seen it on TV, it’s one that hasn’t changed. It’s a very fast track, a lot of fast corners. I think sector one is just the best part of the track that I can imagine.”
In what was ostensibly his final run at the Suzuka Circuit in 2022, Vettel said at the end of Q2 over the team radio, “OK boys, good session. I really enjoyed it. This track is just so much better than all the other ones.” And after Q3 he stated: “Arigato gozaimasu Suzuka. Thank you. I will miss this place.”
Arigato gozaimasu, Seb 💚
The emotion spills out after Sebastian Vettel’s final qualifying session in Suzuka 🥺#JapaneseGP #F1 @AstonMartinF1 pic.twitter.com/HhDqDLHRbd
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2022
In 2022, Max Verstappen was declared the winner at the Japanese Grand Prix after just 29 rain-shortened laps due to it exceeding the three-hour time limit. The F1 race had been canceled the previous two years due to COVID-19 but 200,000 fans showed up last year to enjoy the festivities and more are expected this September.
Esteban Ocon, who took fourth in the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, commented on the Suzuka Circuit layout, “I think all the drivers love Suzuka. The characteristics of the track make it so special—there are big corners, a lot of history and it’s a very difficult lap to get right. There are some truly great corners all the way through, but the esses in the first sector are something special. They’re just so much fun to drive: I love quick changes of direction and the flow through that sector in qualifying, with a light car and lots of grip, feels just awesome.”
F1 Fanatics
There’s much to love about the circuit that first welcomed Formula 1 racing in 1987 and has been a staple of the F1 schedule ever since. As far as the fans go, you won’t find a more eclectic lot, as they often sport hats replete with car parts on top of them as well as a replica layout of the Suzuka Circuit itself!
I met a couple of Racing Point fans at Suzuka Circuit.
Very nice hat! #japanesegp #F1 #suzukaf1 pic.twitter.com/xRDAewrIpy— たにぐち (@27_taniguchi) October 14, 2019
The fans are rabid and the drivers absolutely love the Suzuka Circuit layout. There is a passion for F1 racing at the circuit that rivals any other venue on the F1 season slate. Drivers are so enamored with their reception that they are often seen taking pictures and signing mountains of autographs to reciprocate the Japanese fans’ adoration.
Welcome to Suzuka Saturday! 🤩#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/UmOHowo1hl
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2022
Ironically, 23 Japanese drivers have competed in 36 iterations of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix and not one of them has been able to secure the top spot. The highest place for any Japanese driver at their home course occurred when Aguri Suzuki finished third for Lola in 1990 while Kamui Kobayashi did the same when racing for Sauber in 2012.
But the lack of a regular podium finish by a Japanese driver has not deterred the hometown fans from their unbridled enthusiasm. The foreign drivers appear to be very much aware of this fact and it only enhances their reputation as they are exceptionally respectful and polite despite the outrageous ensembles they wear.
Find someone who loves you like Seb loves Suzuka and its fans 🥺#JapaneseGP #F1 @AstonMartinF1 pic.twitter.com/oE4KLrvzhP
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 7, 2022
Last year’s second-place finisher, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, had this to say about the fans, “Japan is where we meet some of the most passionate fans in the world. They truly make you feel at home all the time. A lot of them write to me on social media throughout the year: they write letters and when we get to Suzuka some of them surprise me with a gift. It’s really special.”
Remember, Point Spreads Magazine has all the breaking news regarding the Japanese Grand Prix as well as the entire season schedule available for those who enjoy betting on F1 races.
Author: Sin City Sniper
Author: Sin City SniperBusting bookmakers and taking their money is his greatest joy in life. He’s been around the block more than once, knows the players both on and off the field of battle, and uses his experience to serve the bookies a heaping plate of humble pie washed down by a warm glass of their salty tears. You can find him in any number of Vegas books, sniping weak lines and getting paid to do it.
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