Suzuka Circuit
Japan F1 Track Guide
Japan F1 Track Guide
The Suzuka circuit in Japan is an iconic circuit on the F1 calendar, hosting all bar two Japanese Grands Prix since its inception in 1987. Located in the Mie Prefecture about one hour south-west of Nagoya, Suzuka has seen only a small amount of changes to the track itself over the years – meaning it has remained a driver’s favourite. Suzuka for many years hosted the season finale ensuring it has been the host of many memorable title showdowns over the years. Japanese Formula One fans are passionate, knowledgeable and welcoming and whether you sit at the famous 130R or the Esses in sector one, your Japanese F1 experience will be one to remember. Be sure to take the opportunity to go on the famous (and free) Ferris Wheel behind the main grandstand!
Circuit Length – 5.81km
Number of Laps – 53
Race Distance – 307.47km
Max Speed – 328km/h
Average Temperature in September – 28c
Currency – Japanese Yen (JPY)
Closest Airport – Chubu Centrair International Airport
Language – Japanese
Time Zone – JST: +9hrs GMT
The biggest stands on the track, the V1-2 Grandstands are covered and sit directly in front of the pits and grid. With giant screens in front of you and the F1 fanzone directly behind these stands, you are central to the action. From your seats you will be able to see turn one as well as a section of the first sector. To the right of the V Grandstands is the giant Ferris Wheel, which is free for all ticket holders and will give you incredible views of the entire track from the top.
Adjacent to the V Grandstands sit the A1-2 stands, which will give you a great view of the cars heading into turn 1. A flat-out corner prior to the second apex, views of Turn 1 provide overtaking opportunities for the cars as well as all the first lap mayhem. There has been plenty of action at this corner over the years, most memorably the Senna/Prost collision and Kimi Raikkonen’s final lap overtake of Giancarlo Fisichella in 2005. Your seats give you the best views of the uphill run through the first few corners which are as iconic as any on the F1 calendar. As with the V stands, the main fanzone is situated just behind your seats.
On the outside of Turn 2, the pair of B1-2 grandstands will give you a great overall view of the first sector of the track. Due to the large gravel trap on the exit of Turns 1 and 2, this grandstand is set a fair way back from the track itself, but this does not come at an expense of the view. Whether it is B1 or B2, you will still have a feel of being close to the track, and thanks to the undulating nature of the Suzuka circuit, you will have a few of the first few ‘S’ corners and see the cars disappear further uphill into the opening sector. This is also one of the more popular overtaking spots of the track.
Directly adjacent to the B grandstands is the popular C Grandstand. Just on the exit of the opening two corners, you are close to plenty of amenities just behind your seats, with only a 10–15-minute walk to the main fanzone. Similarly with the B stands, you will see plenty of wheel-to-wheel action, the opening corners being a common overtaking spot. While this grandstand is uncovered, there are two giant screens directly across from the seats, ensuring you will never miss a minute of the track action.
Similar to Eau Rouge in Spa and Parabolica in Monza, the ‘S’ corners of Suzuka are iconic and are a must-see for F1 fans to experience. In that respect, the D & E grandstands are the best options to witness this set of corners. Here you will see exactly why Suzuka is one of the driver’s favourite tracks, the first sector being a true challenge. With grass and gravel on either side of these corners, there is little margin for error. The atmosphere all weekend long is electric both local and international fans cheering from the first green light in practice long past the chequered flag. The seating in these stands are wooden bleacher-style seats, and there is no roof so you will need to prepare for the topsy-turvy weather that can hit Suzuka at any time.
Right on the exit of the famous hairpin, the I Grandstand comes with the bonus of seeing the main overtaking point on the entire circuit. Here the cars come through at low-speed meaning there will be photo opportunities aplenty – particularly on the opening lap. I Grandstand is a popular choice for many that want to witness overtaking. While you are around a 30-minute walk from the main entrance and fanzone, there are still plenty of smaller amenities near this stand. I Grandstand is uncovered and there is no giant screen viewable from your seats.
The set of two Q Grandstands are along the final chicane just at the exit of 130R. Here you will have some of the best views of the track, look to your right and you will enjoy the F1 cars at full throttle coming out of the famous 130R corner before they brake for the last chicane. To your left is the final corner and main straight, and as these stands are elevated, you will also have a clear view of the first sector. While there are food and drink stalls directly behind the Q stands, a 10-minute walk along the start/finish straight leads you to the main F1 fanzone.
The final two grandstands before the start/finish straight itself, R&S Grandstands are located at the exit of the final chicane and last corner. Here you will be able to see one of the more common overtaking spots on the track at the chicane, as well as both pit entry and the DRS activation zone. Watch as the chequered flag is waved, with the finish line directly in front of your seats. A short 5-minute walk to the main fan area ensures you will never be far away from drinks, traditional Japanese cuisine and all teams’ merchandise tents.
Grand Prix schedules are normally released in the weeks leading up to the event. While schedules do change year on year, the schedule from 2022 (below) should give a good indication of what to expect and when.
FRIDAY 7th OCTOBER | EVENT | TIME |
---|---|---|
Promoter Activity FIA Paddock Club Paddock Club FORMULA 1 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan FORMULA 1 Paddock Club Paddock Club | Honda Demonstration F1 Car Presentation Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Paddock Club Track Tour FIRST PRACTICE SESSION Practice Session SECOND PRACTICE SESSION Paddock Club Track Tour Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 10:15 – 10:50 10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 11:30 11:00 – 11:30 12:00 – 13:00 13:30 – 14:15 15:00 – 16:30 16:45 – 17:15 16:45 – 17:45 |
SATURDAY 8th OCTOBER | EVENT | TIME |
---|---|---|
Formula 1 Formula 1 Promoter Activity Paddock Club Paddock Club FORMULA 1 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan FORMULA 1 Formula 1 Paddock Club Paddock Club F1 Experiences | Team Pit Stop Practice Teams’ Press Conference Honda Demonstration Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Paddock Club Track Tour THIRD PRACTICE SESSION Qualifying Session QUALIFYING SESSION Press Conference Paddock Club Track Tour Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk F1 Experiences Champions Club Trophy Photo & Grid Walk | 09:15 – 09:45 09:30 – 10:30 10:15 – 10:50 10:30 – 11:30 11:00 – 11:30 12:00 – 13:00 13:30 – 14:00 15:00 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 16:15 – 16:45 16:15 – 17:00 17:15 – 18:15 |
SUNDAY 9th OCTOBER | EVENT | TIME |
---|---|---|
Promoter Activity Porsche Carrera Cup Japan Paddock Club Paddock Club Formula 1 Formula 1 FORMULA 1 | Honda Demonstration Race (10 Laps or 30 Mins) Paddock Club Track Tour Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Drivers’ Parade National Anthem GRAND PRIX (53 LAPS OR 120 MINS) | 10:05 – 10:40 11:05 – 11:40 11:55 – 12:25 11:55 – 12:55 12:00 – 12:30 13:44 – 13:46 14:00 – 16:00 |
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