The Japanese Grand Prix 2010 (Part 1)
The legendary Japanese Grand Prix is all set to reignite rivalry, history and speed on this weekend at the Suzuka circuit. Year 2010 in the Formula 1 circuit is turning out to be one h**l of a season as the top 5 drivers are battling it out for the title
with just 25 points dividing them apart.
The Japanese Grand Prix became part of the Formula 1 circuit in 1987 ever since it replaced Toyota’s famous Fuji test track. The Suzuka is the only track in the Formula 1 calendar that crosses over itself and the track which is quite a spectacle. Suzuka
contains 17 turns placed on over a 5 km racing road. John Hugenholtz designed the track where 21 Formula 1 races have been hosted till date. The track was replaced by the famous Fuji track for the years 2007 and 2008 before returning to the Formula 1 circuit
in 2009.
The Japanese track is an extremely fast and technical track and gives the drivers an enjoyable and exciting race. However, this years’ race in Japan is taking place at a crucial juncture as the title is still hanging in the balance and the top five drivers
have entered the most nerve racking phase of the season. Mark Webber is leading the championship with 202 points. Fernando Meanwhile, Alonso is at the 2nd place with just 11 points behind Webber after winning 2 consecutive races. Ferrari believes
that they have the best car for the track. However, their rivals McLaren and Red Bull are completely against that viewpoint.
Lewis Hamilton is now sitting at third place after two silly pointless finishes in the past two races. The former world champion is struggling to race consistently as he was not able to finish 3 out of the past 4 races. Hamilton will have to step it up and
look at the bigger picture if he wants to win the Formula 1 Championship.
Lewis Hamilton has realized last year that Suzuka was one of the greatest tracks in the Formula 1 calendar after racing on it for the first time in his Formula 1 career. It’s a driver’s circuit according to Lewis and he believes that a driver needed to be
extra committed and precise in order to do well over there. Each small error could cost a driver severely so the drivers had to be extra careful while driving over there. Suzuka is a historic track that will always be associated with Ayrton Senna and Alain
Prost’s rivalry. “Walking the track for the first time and knowing I was standing on the same spot of Tarmac where two giants of the sport traded blows was an exciting experience,” he said. Suzuka is an unfinished business for the British driver. Hamilton
claims he tried his best last year but his car wasn’t fast enough back then.
“This year, I’m holding nothing back - I need a strong result to get my title hopes back on track, and that will be my complete focus from the moment I first sit in the cockpit on Friday morning. Now is the time to fight,” he added.
His teammate Jenson Button on the other hand, is being a bit too safe, as he has not scored good points since the past couple of races, as it was quite clear that he was just trying to drive a safe race and not take too many risks. Jenson believes that Japan
is his second home as he has spent a large portion of his Formula 1 career in the country thanks to his girl friend Michelle Michibata. The British driver loves Tokyo and believes that Suzuka is the perfect venue for the Japanese Grand Prix and a supreme challenge
for any driver.
“I love the whole Suzuka experience - the fact that it’s a real trek to reach from Europe, the amusement park that you walk through to get to the paddock, the incredibly loyal and friendly Japanese fans - who cheer me on all weekend - and the whole atmosphere,”
he said.
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