Japanese GP: BMW-Sauber delighted to be back at Suzuka

The BMW-Sauber drivers, as well as the team, are delighted to return to this monument of Formula 1 that is the Suzuka circuit. It is a technical track and very demanding in terms of driving, and, just like Spa-Francorchamps, only the greatest drivers have triumphed there. Michael Schumacher holds the record with six victories. Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Räikkönen, Ayrton Senna, and Damon Hill have also won there more than once since the circuit was introduced to the F1 calendar in 1987.

In Singapore, Heidfeld’s race was compromised long before the start, when the stewards found during the post-qualifying weigh-in that his F1.09 was just below the minimum weight limit. Since he had to start from the pits anyway, the team opted for an engine and gearbox change. But after the first stint, he became an innocent victim when Sutil, attempting to overtake Alguersuari, spun out. Nick Heidfeld, coming blind out of the corner on this urban track, had no choice but to crash into the Force India. Meanwhile, Kubica was fighting for a point throughout the race. Although he wasn’t lucky enough to refuel just before the safety car like some of his rivals, he also had to deal with unexpected excessive degradation of his rear tires during the last fifteen laps, due to untested settings before the race. The Pole stated it was the hardest-earned point he ever gained.

Nick Heidfeld – Racing Driver

I am delighted that my favorite Formula 1 circuit is back on the calendar. It will be interesting to see what changes the circuit has in store for us. I know the track has been partially resurfaced, and there’s always the possibility of an intervention from the forces of nature. We’ve already experienced an earthquake, and a hurricane has passed very close by. The weather is always an issue, and there are often quite torrential rains in Suzuka. It’s quite a long circuit, very varied, and it flows beautifully. The first sector with its right-hand double apex turn (2 clipping points in the same curve) and its various esses are really superb. But you have to be very clean there; if you make a mistake in one corner, you compromise everything else. I really enjoy going to Japan. I love the Asian food and the unique atmosphere that prevails there. I will spend a few days in Tokyo before the Suzuka race.

Robert Kubica – Racing Driver:

« I am really looking forward to returning to Suzuka. This track is one of the most exciting in terms of driving. For me, it’s one of the best circuits in the world. The fans there are fantastic. There are a lot of fast, challenging corners, particularly the 130R, which is really very fast. In 2006, many of them stayed in the stands until very late at night. They are truly passionate and make the most out of F1’s visit to their home! »

Willy Rampf – Technical Director:

With all this combination of fast corners, the Suzuka circuit is one of the most challenging on the Formula 1 calendar. It’s a true racing circuit. The esses in the first sector are crucial for lap times. You can lose a lot of time if you don’t follow the ideal line. It’s a unique sector; no other F1 circuit has anything similar. There is also a tight hairpin, but the circuit is dominated by medium and high-speed corners. This contrasts greatly with Singapore, which is more of a braking/acceleration circuit. That’s why the balance of the car is so important at Suzuka. For the setup, we will use high downforce similar to that of Singapore.