Japanese GP: Williams Martini Grand Prix Preview


By Andrew Hooper
October 4 2016

Staying in Asia but moving northwards the Williams Martini team moves to the Suzuka circuit for the 2016 Japanese Grand Prix. This circuit is one of those famous circuits that both Williams team drivers Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas rate as one of their favourites. For the Williams team it is a race where they have to work on closing the gap and move ahead of their championship rivals as we move into the last few races of the 2016 season.

 
2016 Japanese GP Preview
 
Suzuka Circuit
 

If you ask any Formula One driver to list their favourite tracks, the Suzuka Circuit will always feature high on the list with its traditional features and unique figure of eight layout. It’s a narrow, high speed circuit with very little run off and is therefore the ultimate test of man and machine. Sector one is a particular highlight with high speed changes of direction placing a premium on aerodynamic downforce.

PAT SYMONDS:
Japan is my favourite circuit, which is a view shared by many of the drivers and engineers. It presents so many challenges to us from the fast first corner and 130R, to the very difficult continual changes of direction that are found from turn two up to turn seven. Couple this with the long high-loading through the Spoon Curves (T13-14) one can begin to understand how it challenges the cars, drivers and tyres. For Japan, Mercedes are also introducing their final power unit upgrade of the year, which will be available to all its customers, and is one which we hope will allow us to improve our performance for the remaining races of the season.
 
2016 Japanese GP Tyre Selection Bottas
 
2016 Japanese GP Tyre Selection Massa
 
FELIPE MASSA:
I think Suzuka is one of the best places to race. I love the layout and the high-speed sections. Sector one I think is the most incredible sector in the world. I really love Japan. I love the people and I love to go there to spend some time in Tokyo. I’m really looking forward to my last Formula One race in Japan and I can’t wait to enjoy it with the amazing Japanese fans.

VALTTERI BOTTAS:
If I had to choose one track as my favourite, it would have to be Suzuka because of the high speed nature of the circuit. It’s a proper race track really built for Formula One cars. On top of that, the atmosphere is very special. The Japanese fans get so excited about the race. There’s a lot of support for me there, which I really appreciate. It’s always nice to go to Japan, it’s a favourite for a lot of people because it’s such a great track and overall a great weekend with a really good atmosphere – one I always look forward to.

Race Data
Friday:
Practice 1: 10:00 - 11:30
Practice 2: 14:00 - 15:30
Saturday:
Practice 3: 12:00 - 13:00
Qualifying: 15:00 - 16:00
Sunday: Race: 14:00
 
Japanese GP Statistics
 

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Japanese GP: Williams Martini Grand Prix Preview
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