Ask any racing driver, team personnel, media person and/or motorsport aficionado, and they will gladly tell you that Suzuka is one of the greatest motor racing circuits in existence. But why is this so? When there are thousands out there, what makes Suzuka so special? Let me tell you!
Suzuka, originally a test track for Honda, joined the Formula One calendar in the late 1980's, making it one of the oldest currently on the calendar. Over the years, it has undergone several changes but has never lost it's trademark - the figure of eight layout. Only one of two FIA Grade One circuits to be designed and built in this way. You can find the second at Fiorano.
Plenty of racing drivers are happy to declare this as one of, if not, their favourite tracks. Lewis Hamilton once described it as "the best rollercoaster ride that I’ve felt in a Formula One car," whereas Charles Leclerc has said "I love the track, especially the first sector. For me, it’s really, really special. And it has something that you never find anywhere else. Also the passion of fans, it’s incredible.” For me, as a fan, Suzuka is incredibly exciting to watch. From the exhilarating speeds to watching the drivers navigate the corners such as Spoon and 130R, it's a racing driver's paradise and one I would 100% miss if it ever left the Formula One calendar.
Corners
One thing Suzuka has become known for is it's infamous fast and, somewhat, unpredictable corners, ready to catch any driver out if they get it wrong. Take the fast "S Curves" - 4 curves at different cambars, one after another; if a driver gets these right, then they may have set up a decent lap. If they get it wrong then it could mean a trip into the gravel. Then there's Degnar and Spoon, more technical and longer corners, before the slingshot that is 130R. It may be classed as a corner but very rarely is there any let up - a little bit like Spa's "Eau Rouge." If you want to experience some exhilarating 130R action, check out Fernando Alonso's overtake on Michael Schumacher at the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix. In fact, that move in itself is representative as to how great this track is.
Speed
As already established, despite having 18 corners, Suzuka is fast, with a top-speed being recorded at 315km/h, while the average speed hovers around 230km/h. The lap record, on the current track configuration is 1:30:983, set by Lewis Hamilton in 2019. There is no surprise that this track is classed as "high-speed," and is often described as a rollercoaster as it throws the driver around from one high speed section to another. A high level of commitment is essential for drivers if they want to max out their speed and post the perfect lap. You can read Rueben Barichello's Lap of Suzuka here.
Challenge
With it's infamous corners and tremendous speeds, there is no denying the challenge that awaits any driver who takes to it's tracks. In terms of mentality, physicality and technicality, there are plenty of aspects that come together to make this one of the most challenging tracks that features on today's F1 race calendar. But not only does the high speed and flowing corners give our drivers a task, there is also the challenge of keeping the car out of the gravel traps. That's right. Tarmac runoffs are a rarity around Suzuka! And what about tyres? With the circuit's figure of eight layout, all four tyres will, at some point, take the brunt of the weight when driving. So it's extra important that the perfect set-up is enabled to help with the added grip and traction a driver will be looking for.
Fans
For years and years, fans at Suzuka have never failed to hide their passion for Formula One. With their fun themed gifts for drivers and teams, wacky costumes - yes, those incredible DRS hats included, or just out right enthusiasm with supportive banners in the grandstands, fans at Suzuka have been classed as some of the best in the world. This takes nothing away from other fans of the sport, it's just that Japanese fans are something special and they never fail to put a smile on your face.
Old-School Track
Here we are with point number five, and surely it's "best til last." One of the most appealing aspects of the Suzuka circuit is that it's one of the remaining old-school tracks left on the F1 calendar. The Suzuka International Racing Course first opened it's doors in September 1962, before joining the Formula One calendar in 1987. Although, since then, the track has been slightly modified over time, it has generally kept to it's original state with that figure of eight layout and fast and elevated corners. It's a symbol of what F1 once was and what it should be. We shouldn't be loosing tracks like these to the likes of Vegas, Miami, Saudi Arabia etc. Old-School Tracks are a different breed and always bring the adrenaline and excitement.
So, has Suzuka's racing charm persuaded you to agree that it's one of the best tracks in the world? Well, next up is the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. Excitement is waiting.
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