Formula One - Japanese Grand Prix: Drivers’ history on Suzuka track
The awe-inspiring and suspense-filled 2010 caravan of Formula One has finally reached its sixteenth station, with next race scheduled for the historical Suzuka track, this weekend.
As only four more races are left and the situation in the points’ tally is completely nail-biting, this next race may well play a decisive role in easing the tension and pressure on the teams.
All the top five racers of the Drivers’ Championship seem equally competent as well as adamant to snatch away the championship, this season. The cars of top three teams are expected to do well at the track while the drivers also are ready to fight hard till
the end.
With all teams now preparing to move for Suzuka, Ferrari showed off immense optimism. The Suzuka track brings a special breeze of hope for the team driver, Fernando Alonso for a number of reasons. This track has always been kind to the Italian team and has
given it the record of highest race wins among all the constructors. Also, the team made history by winning the first race of this track with Formula One.
Well, this isn't all as Alonso is looking forward with much positivity for another reason. He cherishes the great memories from his 2006 race on this track. The Japanese Grand Prix had then been the decisive race of the season, giving a crucial victory to
the Spaniard. That year also brought him the second consecutive world championship title.
Now, as Alonso heads for the next race, Mark Webber of Red Bull serves as his biggest opponent, who stands at the top of points’ tally. But, while looking at Webber's history on the track one might not expect a great performance from him.
Unlike Alonso, Suzuka has been explicitly cruel to Webber, who has finished just once with points in his last six races there. Last year was also a poor one for him at Suzuka as he began the race day from the pit lane and had it wrap up at third from last
with two laps off, after facing an accident during practice.
On the other hand, his teammate, Sebastian Vettel has better memories of the track as he was able to bag a victory there, last year. Now, before heading for this race, he was glad to tell the reporters that he is looking forward for another great weekend.
"Suzuka should suit our car, but we still have to go there and prove it," Vettel stated. "I think we have a very competitive car this year on all circuits, so we can be confident. Last year was very good and I think we should get a good result again."
Moreover, Lewis Hamilton of McLaren also goes to Japan with some brilliant memories accompanying him. His debut race with Formula One at Suzuka had given him a terrific victory despite having started the day from pole position. Although, 2008’s race wasn't
much of a blessing for him, as he ended it at 12th place, but still, last year again he reserved himself third place at the podium.
Hamilton's teammate, Jenson Button is still waiting for his first win on the track. His last three years there have also not been good as he finished 11th in 2007, 14th in 2008 and 8th in 2009, despite being good all through
the season.
Finally, the 2010 season has been an unpredictable one right from the beginning and still, it goes on the same way. So, Let us wait and see if any of your predictions come true for the next race, or like all other rounds of the year, yet more surprises are
to be served.
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