Japanese GP 2022
Formula 1 is back in Suzuka. Since 2019, no Grand Prix has been held on the circuit in the form of an eight. because of Corona. Now the drivers can let off steam again on one of their favorite tracks. They are cheered on by the particularly creative Japanese fans.
It's the second return within a week. Singapore and Japan did not hold a Grand Prix in the 2020 and 2021 corona pandemic. Both opened their borders for Formula 1 again in 2022. And of course the premier class of motorsport likes to travel there. Singapore has become a classic with 13 grands prix because it is the quintessential night spectacle in Formula 1.
Suzuka enjoys cult status due to the race track and the euphoric Japanese fans. For the 32nd time in history, Formula 1 is holding a Grand Prix on the demanding race track. With a few exceptions, she has been here continuously since 1987. In 2007 and 2008, the world's fastest circus moved to Fuji. But the pilots prefer to drive in Suzuka. Because this race track has everything that makes your heart beat faster.
F1 trip from Singapore to Japan
The ideal line meanders in the shape of an eight over the 5.807 kilometers. So Suzuka is the only track that runs both clockwise and counterclockwise. The S-curves, the Degner passage, the Spoon curve and the super-fast 130R provide an adrenaline rush in the racing roller coaster. Not only the layout is special. The fans are also extravagant. They always let their creativity run wild as soon as the GP circus hits. For example with headgear in the shape of a racing car.
Race after race: This means travel stress for the teams. There are more than 5,000 kilometers as the crow flies between Singapore and Suzuka. First it had to be dismantled in one place and then rebuilt a few days later in another. At least the weather doesn't make the mechanics sweat as much as they did on the last race weekend. On Thursday, the mercury did not climb above 20 degrees Celsius.
As usual, we moved around the paddock and the pit lane. There, the McLaren MCL36 and Mercedes W13 stripped for our camera. So we could look under the fairing of both cars. It's crazy what the engineers are doing there. Every centimeter is installed behind the cockpit.
