F1 2024: Japanese GP - Suzuka (Apr 7)

[GuidoK]

F1 2024: Japanese GP - Suzuka (Apr 7)

Schedule:
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2024/Japan.html

Suzuka International Racing Course

Suzuka
When was the track built?

In 1962. Soichiro Honda, whose car company you may have heard of, was a man with big ambitions. Seeking to turn Honda into an automotive powerhouse, he decided his company should have its own test track. Dutchman John Hugenholtz got the nod, and drew up the now-iconic ‘crossover’ Suzuka track – although original drawings saw the track pass over and under itself a full three times, which would have been sweet!
When was its first Grand Prix?

Despite most people agreeing that Suzuka is a worthy successor to sliced bread in the ‘Best Thing’ stakes, the Japanese track was a relative latecomer to the F1 calendar, making its first appearance in 1987. Nigel Mansell would remember that weekend well, after he suffered a crash in qualifying that ruled him out of the race, gifting that year’s championship to his bitter rival Nelson Piquet.
What’s the circuit like?

Show us a racing a driver who doesn’t love Suzuka, and we’ll show you a liar. The high-speed track remains one of the ultimate driving challenges, with the snaking ‘S’ Curves, the two commitment-rewarding Degners and the white-knuckle ride of 130R all highlights in a series of highlights at what is one of F1’s seminal tracks. And hey, it’s got a crossover, which is always cool, right?
Why go?

A track that has witnessed an unfair share of legendary F1 moments (not least between Messrs Prost and Senna), a unique set of fans with an unabashed commitment to playing Formula 1 dress-up, a Ferris wheel, and great food. Okay, for most of us it’s a long slog to get there, but surely a better question is: ‘Why not go?’
Where is the best place to watch?

Take your pick. Grandstands D and E overlook the ‘S’ Curves, giving you an amazing chance to watch downforce and commitment working in perfect harmony as the drivers negotiate the sinuous turns. Elsewhere, the left flank of Grandstand G places you at the inside of 130R, which should be a bit of a treat, while if it’s overtaking you want, Grandstand I will give you a view of the incident-attracting Hairpin.

2023 Race Highlights:

2023 thread:
https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2049418

2023 Race Highlights - Cartoon:

[GuidoK]

So what are your predictions?
Will RB have the problems with the rear brakes sorted?

I think Suzuka will be a track that suits the RB's very well, and it looks like Ferrari is for sure the 2nd team and closer to RB than last year.
Rumors that Ferrari might already bring their 'Monza updates' might be very interesting on this fast track.

My prediction:

1. VER
2. LEC
3. SAI
4. PIA
5. PER
6. NOR
7. HAM
8. ALO
9. RUS
10. ALB

[M5Rick]

1. MAX (with new rear brembo brake caliper)
2. Checo (with no problems with tear offs and tarmac
3. Chas.
4. Carlos.
5. Lando.
6-10: Hobsons choice.

[Fillip]

Anyone going to attend the Japanese GP should consider joining these meet ups that will be happening on Thursday and Friday. The first meet up will be at Hot Spice Mucho Chicken Tacos Bar, Nagoya and the second one will be at Shooters Sports Bar & Grill, Nagoya.

[Car-Addicted]

My prediction is those:
Lollipopman F1 Comics are frick'in hilarious.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

Wife mowing the yard with VER’s RB 18

Awesome !

[Killed by Death]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Awesome !

And no, she isn't a criminal, buff covering her nose for allergies. The air is yellow around here this time of year

[G30M]

"Normal F1 Drivers Cars versus Carlos Sainz":
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZPxsk6C3KSI

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

And no, she isn't a criminal, buff covering her nose for allergies. The air is yellow around here this time of year

Yes I know , I saw the yellow air in the news . Buff covering her nose was the best thing she could do

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by g21

"Normal F1 Drivers Cars versus Carlos Sainz":
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZPxsk6C3KSI

Volkswagen is, alike Audi, part of the Volkswagen group.

[3798j]

News on this first day of April...

EXCLUSIVE: JOS NEW RED BULL BOSS, HORNERS LAUNCH REALITY TV SHOW

"When Red Bull setup their pitwall at Suzuka for the forthcoming 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, for the first time since 2005 the name on the Team Principal chair will not be Christian Horner, instead it will be Jos Verstappen.""

https://www.grandprix247.com/2024/04...th-the-spices/

[///M Power-Belgium]

Car number 1 stripped..

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by 3798j

News on this first day of April...

EXCLUSIVE: JOS NEW RED BULL BOSS, HORNERS LAUNCH REALITY TV SHOW

"When Red Bull setup their pitwall at Suzuka for the forthcoming 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, for the first time since 2005 the name on the Team Principal chair will not be Christian Horner, instead it will be Jos Verstappen.""

https://www.grandprix247.com/2024/04...th-the-spices/

Jos with his knuckle dusters when he meets Brown

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Car number 1 stripped..

Looks straightforward at the front but then underneath further back it gets very interesting

[dfox]

My prediction:

Red Bull 1-2.
Ferrari and McLaren will tussle for 3-6, likely with Norris splitting the Ferrari.
I'd like to see a bottom 5 team break into the points. Albon has done well at this circuit in the past but not sure the Williams is capable this year. Maybe Tsu breaking into the points in Japan, that would be cool.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by dfox

My prediction:

Red Bull 1-2.
Ferrari and McLaren will tussle for 3-6, likely with Norris splitting the Ferrari.
I'd like to see a bottom 5 team break into the points. Albon has done well at this circuit in the past but not sure the Williams is capable this year. Maybe Tsu breaking into the points in Japan, that would be cool.

Williams are on a rebuilt car with a repaired tub and no spare tub yet so the boss will be telling them no heroics.

[Killed by Death]

Ferrari plans to introduce small aerodynamic innovations on the SF-24 for the Suzuka circuit, focusing on tire performance optimization.
- A more significant update package is slated for Imola, aiming to bolster the car's aerodynamic efficiency and narrow the gap to Red Bull.
- Urgent attention is directed towards improving tyre management, particularly after experiencing issues with tire activation at the start of stints in Jeddah and Melbourne.
- Team principal Vasseur is advocating for a more risk-taking approach, believing that calculated risks could lead to competitive advantages, especially in tire usage optimization.
- The SF-24's rear kinematics are designed to enhance dynamic tyre control and minimize detrimental movements for improved tire management.
VIA: [funoanalisitechnica]

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

Ferrari plans to introduce small aerodynamic innovations on the SF-24 for the Suzuka circuit, focusing on tire performance optimization.
- A more significant update package is slated for Imola, aiming to bolster the car's aerodynamic efficiency and narrow the gap to Red Bull.
- Urgent attention is directed towards improving tyre management, particularly after experiencing issues with tire activation at the start of stints in Jeddah and Melbourne.
- Team principal Vasseur is advocating for a more risk-taking approach, believing that calculated risks could lead to competitive advantages, especially in tire usage optimization.
- The SF-24's rear kinematics are designed to enhance dynamic tyre control and minimize detrimental movements for improved tire management.
VIA: [funoanalisitechnica]

That sounds good for the Ferrari Team

The Red Bull RB20 gets a new upgraded floor at Suzuka .
Later in this season the zero-sidepod design will be introduced...

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Killed by Death

Ferrari plans to introduce small aerodynamic innovations on the SF-24 for the Suzuka circuit, focusing on tire performance optimization.
- A more significant update package is slated for Imola, aiming to bolster the car's aerodynamic efficiency and narrow the gap to Red Bull.
- Urgent attention is directed towards improving tyre management, particularly after experiencing issues with tire activation at the start of stints in Jeddah and Melbourne.
- Team principal Vasseur is advocating for a more risk-taking approach, believing that calculated risks could lead to competitive advantages, especially in tire usage optimization.
- The SF-24's rear kinematics are designed to enhance dynamic tyre control and minimize detrimental movements for improved tire management.
VIA: [funoanalisitechnica]

More screams from Chas then?

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

That sounds good for the Ferrari Team

The Red Bull RB20 gets a new upgraded floor at Suzuka .
Later in this season the zero-sidepod design will be introduced...

There is chaos in the Larens camp as tech director Sanchez resigns.
https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-an...ucture-changes

[M5Rick]

...this is just 3 months after leaving Ferrari to join the yellows, it wouldn't be because of an in-your-face Brown and an impossible deadline would it

[dfox]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

That sounds good for the Ferrari Team

The Red Bull RB20 gets a new upgraded floor at Suzuka .
Later in this season the zero-sidepod design will be introduced...

I love how Newey is basically doing side challenges now, playing with the zero pod solution. It's like he just needs to prove that he's better than Merc.