Why the Japanese Grand Prix 2010 at Suzuka is going to be a decisive race?
Formula One and Suzuka have enjoyed a long relationship and imagining a calendar without this track is next to impossible. Suzuka’s significance goes beyond the long history that it holds with F1 circuit as it‘s crucial role in deciding the championship
result has made the Japanese GP a crucial juncture for the entire event.
Initially designed to be used as Honda’s test track in 1962, Suzuka soon attracted several car races as well. After watching its soaring popularity, the first Formula One race was held at Suzuka in 1987 and since then, it has added considerable incidents
to Formula One’s history. The figure ‘8’ shaped track is one of the oldest Formula One arenas which has never failed to thrill race lovers from around the globe. The circuit has proved to be the toughest test of a driver’s skills with its cruel corners along
with a demanding layout.
As the Formula One caravan enters this track, the old race lovers would anticipate a decisive race this Sunday. The 2010 season has evolved in a very uncertain and surprising manner. One after the other race-weekend, F1 fans have witnessed the battle getting
more cruel as the top five drivers in the points’ tally tug for the title. Currently the quintet stands with a difference of just 25 points from each other as all five racers stand at par in their respective bids to win 2010.
As the cars prepare to enter this next Grand Prix in Japan, the race fans finally take a sigh of relief as they hope to see the contention settle now. History tells that Suzuka has proved to be a decisive point in several previous seasons.
This ancient track is most vividly remembered to have served as the brutal arena for the two brave gladiators, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. The two collided for the first time in 1989 and then later in 1990, the championship concluded in a crash between
the two drivers all over again.
The 2003 World Championship was decided on this track as well. Back then, Michael Schumacher had clinched a record-making sixth title, siding Kimi Raikkonen, who was going head-to-head with the racing icon, until the Japanese Grand Prix came about.
Eddie Irvine F1 debut at Suzuka in 1993 was an unbelievable event in F1 history. Irvine had gone past Ayrton Senna, the leader for the day,
to remain on the lead lap. This displeased Senna so much so that he punched Irvine right after his very first race in F1 history.
Suzuka in 2005 witnessed one the most entertaining and exciting races in recent history. Kimi Raikkonen ignited his engine at 17th spot on the grid. However, in an awe inspiring display of crazy driving, he ended the day as the victor - a racing
spectacle worth the mention.
The circuit has been particularly kind to Italian team Ferrari. Not only does the team has the highest number of wins at the track’ but moreover, it has the honour of winning the first race at Suzuka as well.
As the Formula One makes the move to Japan once again, many experts believe that Ferrari can do it again. If that materialises, it might not be a nail biting encounter for the fans. Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso has already conquered the track in 2006,
which marked his second consecutive world championship title as well.
With all the permutations and combinations in place, keep your fingers crossed as Suzuka waits to chalk history, yet again.
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