Round 15 of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship returns to the Suzuka Circuit, Japan, having been held at the Fuji Circuit in 2007 and 2008. Located on the southeast coast of the island of Honshu, Suzuka is a favourite circuit amongst drivers.
Designed by Dutch designer John Hugenholtz, the long and varied circuit combines several high-speed corners and a tight hair pin. It comprises 18 turns, eight left and 10 right, which are laid out on a figure of eight track. The Suzuka Circuit is renowned for corners such as the 130R and the Dunlop Curve which test tyre performance, traction and grip levels.
The track is also renowned for its “esses”, a series of high-speed corners, which demand precision in order to achieve fluidity and good lap times. Good vehicle aero efficiency and car stability will be necessary for drivers to be able to change direction with precision. The circuit has a reputation for close racing and engine power and good braking will be key elements for teams to consider in preparation for the race.
SUZUKA CIRCUIT– GRAPHICS
The interactive version of the above circuit graphic is available on the FIA website (click here).
CHANGES TO THE CIRCUIT SINCE 2006
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The pit exit has been realigned to join the track after the first corner.
Asphalt has been laid in parts of the run-off area around the outside of turns
1 and 2.
The track has been resurfaced between turns 17 and 7.
The barrier on the driver’s right before turn 1 has been moved further from
the track.
The barrier on the driver’s right between turns 6 and 7 has been moved some
six metres further from the track.
The tyre barrier around the outside of turn 1 has had an additional conveyor
belt inserted behind the first two rows. |
SUZUKA CIRCUIT – INTERESTING FACTS
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There have been several modifications and improvements to the Suzuka Circuit
since the last race in 2006 including:
modification and expansion of the grandstand, improvement of the stand areas,
construction of the pit building and team offices, expansion and enlargement of
the paddock, enlargement of the run-off areas and a reworking of the track surface.
A lap of the track begins with a fast 7th gear bend that tightens to lead into a series
of fast S-bends.
The track is famous for its Spoon Curve, the 130R, Casio Triangle and Chicane
bends.
The track is situated in the middle of Suzuka Land, a leisure park built in 1962.
The circuit features a Traffic Education Centre specialising in traffic training and
education to assist and encourage the public to become safer and better drivers. |
CIRCUIT DATA
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Length of lap:
Offset:
Total number of race laps:
Total race distance:
Speed limits in the pit lane:
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5.807km
0.300km
53
307.471km
60km/h during practice sessions;
100km/h during qualifying and race |
FORMULA ONE TIME TABLE AND MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES ORGANISED BY THE FIA
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Thursday
Press Conference
Friday
Practice Session 1
Practice Session 2
Press Conference
Saturday
Practice Session 3
Qualifying
Followed by unilateral and press conference
Sunday
Drivers Parade
Race
Followed by unilateral and press conference |
15.00 hrs
10.00 - 11.30 hrs
14.00 - 15.30 hrs
16.00 hrs
11.00 - 12.00 hrs
14.00 - 15.00 hrs
12.30 - 12.45 hrs
14.00 hrs
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ADDITIONAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
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Autograph signing: All drivers will sign autographs either on Thursday morning or
Thursday evening.
Qualifying: All drivers eliminated in Q1 or Q2 will be available for media interviews immediately after the end of each session as well as drivers who participated in Q3,
and who are not required to take part in the post-qualifying press conference.
Where? At the back of the FIA garage, paddock side.
Race: Any driver retiring before the end of the race will be available for media
interviews after his return to the paddock. In addition, all drivers who finish the race
outside the top three will be available immediately after the end of the race for
media interviews. Where? At each team's garage/hospitality or alternatively at the
back of the FIA garage, paddock side.
During the race every team will make at least one senior spokesperson available for
interviews by officially accredited TV crews. A list will be made available in the
media centre.
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