Speedcafe.com Race Guide - 2012 Japanese Grand Prix

2012 Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, October 5-7

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Sebastian Vettel wrapped up the title in Suzuka last year, although Lewis Hamilton ensured that the German would have to work hard for it.

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Round 15 - Japan I Introduction

japan EDITOR: Stefan Bartholomaeus DESIGN: Kirstie Fuentes SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson IMAGES: Red Bull Racing McLaren Ferrari Mercedes Lotus Force India Sauber Toro Rosso Williams Caterham HRT Marussia PARTNERS: Castrol EDGE, IRWIN Tools, Money Choice, Orrcon Steel, Pirtek, Vodafone, Lucky 7, Bisley Workwear, Norton by

In the box seat Only time will tell just how costly the gearbox failure that Lewis Hamilton suffered in Singapore will be to the McLaren driver’s 2012 title chances.

With 25 points there for the taking, it was undoubtedly a major blow to the Briton’s hopes of becoming a dual world champion.

Fernando Alonso enters this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix with a comfortable 29 point margin over his nearest pursuer Sebastian Vettel, while Kimi Raikkonen (45 points down), Hamilton (52 points down), Mark Webber (62 points down) and Jenson Button (75 points down) complete the top six.

As six of the 20 races remain there are still 150 points to be won, indicating that all is far from lost. Alonso’s consistency so far this season, however, suggest that only Vettel can still take the title from the Ferrari driver’s grasp on his own terms.

Alonso, whose only retirement of the season to date came in the Romain Grosjean-induced first corner crash at Spa, has scored an average of 13.8 points per race over the opening 14 Grands Prix. If that trend continues, the Hamilton will have to win almost every race from here on in to overhaul the Spaniard - a highly unlikely prospect.

For a season that started with seven different winners from the first seven races, the ball now truly is in Alonso’s court.

One Ferrari failure, or stray Frenchman, however, could turn the season on its head once again...

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Stefan Bartholomaeus

Journalist, Speedcafe.com Editor, Speedcafe Race Guides

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The Suzuka fairgrounds provide a unique backdrop to what is one of the world’s most lauded permanent road courses

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Round 15 - Japan I Cover Story

2013: Lucky for some A look ahead at what’s in store next season

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t may still be over five months away, but the 2013 Formula 1 season has been the talk of the town in recent weeks.

As ever, driver movements have been the headline act, with no news bigger than that confirming Lewis Hamilton’s switch from McLaren to Mercedes. It’s a decision that will end a 14-year relationship between the British driver and team, setting Hamilton up for far greater future earnings, if not necessarily greater results.

The merits of the move have been widely debated in the days since its announcement, but no matter how much analysis is done, only time will tell if Mercedes can produce a car worthy of Hamilton’s talents. At this point, it appears a risky switch, but with factory backing, the brilliance of Ross Brawn and a seemingly

malleable team-mate in Nico Rosberg, it’s unlikely to be a disaster.

For Sergio Perez, meanwhile, it’s all positive news as the 22-year-old prepares to step up from Sauber to Hamilton’s vacated ride. The young Mexican has undoubtedly shone this year, building on a steady rookie season to score three podiums in the campaign so far.

The fact that Perez also scored the fastest lap in the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix was a feat particularly impressive given his major accident there in qualifying last year.

What the latest moves mean for Michael Schumacher is now the biggest question.

The seven-time world champion’s threeyear comeback with Mercedes has yielded just one podium thus far, with the German’s monstrous 91 Grand Prix win record remaining unmoved. Schumacher has, this

year at least, largely matched team-mate Nico Rosberg for raw speed, and would be a great pick-up for an underfunded midfield team like Sauber. Whether the 43-year-old can find the motivation to make such a move at this point in his career remains doubtful however, as the competitiveness, as well as the money, is likely to be further reduced from 2012 levels.

Perhaps even more pertinent to the front of the field next year is the question of the second drive at Ferrari. Felipe Massa’s form has risen slightly in recent races, but not nearly enough to excuse the lacklustre form that sees the Brazilian 10th in the championship and without a podium since Korea, 2010.

Despite Perez being off the market, there are still a handful of highly rated young talents

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for the Scuderia to choose from. Force India duo Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg undoubtedly lead the way having both shown their mettle this year. Schumacher’s name has also been connected to this seat, albeit mainly by wishful fans. In truth, an overriding desire to keep Fernando Alonso unperturbed could well see Massa escape another silly season with his job intact.

Rules The distinguishing visual feature of the majority of the 2012 cars will be gone by next season, with the FIA introducing new regulations to remove the oft-criticised ‘stepped nose’ phenomenon.

Continued on page 10 >>

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Round 15 - Japan I Cover Story >> Continuation from page 8

Having appeared due to a safety-driven change in the front nose height that created a misalignment with the optimal height of the front bulkhead, teams will be able to introduce a ‘covering panel’ next year to hide the ‘step’.

The new fairing is described in the 2013 regulations as “an optional, single piece, non-structural fairing of prescribed laminate (whose precise lay-up may be found in the Appendix to the regulations) which may not be more than 625mm above the reference plane at any point.”

Additionally, the most discussed technical innovation of this season, the ‘double-DRS’, will also be gone next year. The ‘doubleDRS’ was introduced to the championship

by Mercedes at the beginning of the year after its engineers devised a way of using the Downforce Reduction System flap on the rear wing to also stall the front-wing, therefore simultaneously reducing drag at both ends of the car. >> Continued on page 13

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Round 15 - Japan I Cover Story >> Continuation from page 10

As expected, the 2013 rules state that that DRS “cannot be used to change the geometry of any duct, either directly or indirectly, other than the change to the distance between adjacent sections permitted by Article 3.10.2.”

Calendar Released in recent days, the 2013 calendar sees few changes to this year’s schedule.

The most significant is the addition of the Grand Prix of Jersey in New York, which appears on the calendar despite recent comments from Bernie Ecclestone stating that the event’s contract had been torn up following funding difficulties. The New York race is listed for mid-June, albeit with a ‘To be Confirmed’ rider.

A far cry from 23-race bonanza some had rumoured, the schedule remains at 20 races as Valencia’s European Grand Prix disappears to make way for New Jersey.

The season will once again kick-off in Australia and conclude in Brazil, with the switching of the Korean and Singapore Grands Prix the only other change.

2013 Formula 1 Calendar Date

Event

17/03 24/03 14/04 21/04 12/05 26/05 09/06 16/06 30/06 14/07 28/07 25/08 08/09 22/09 06/10 13/10 27/10 03/11 17/11 24/11 *TBC

AUS MYS CHN BHR ESP MCO CAN USA GBR DEU HUN BEL ITA SGP KOR JPN IND ARE USA BRA

Grand Prix of Australia Grand Prix of Malaysia Grand Prix of China Grand Prix of Bahrain Grand Prix of Spain (Barcelona) Grand Prix of Monaco Grand Prix of Canada Grand Prix of Jersey (New York) * Grand Prix of Great Britain Grand Prix of Germany Grand Prix of Hungary Grand Prix of Belgium Grand Prix of Italy Grand Prix of Singapore Grand Prix of Korea Grand Prix of Japan Grand Prix of India Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of USA (Austin) Grand Prix of Brazil

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Round 15 - Japan I Track Details

Suzuka Circuit Technical preview with Lotus F1’s trackside operations director Alan Permane

THE CAR Rear wing Comparable downforce to Silverstone or Barcelona, so not maximum levels, but not far off.

Brakes The only heavy braking applications are into the Turn 11 hairpin and into the Turn 16-17 chicane. As with Silverstone, much of the lap is spent cooling the brakes so – in contrast to Singapore – more attention is paid to keeping the brakes warm.

Suspension Good change of direction is required, especially for the ‘Snake’ through Turns 3-7, so a stiffer and more responsive setup is sought.

Tyres Hard and soft will be used, with the prime compound a step harder than last year’s medium. However, the compounds have become softer across the board this year. This could be a challenge for warm-up, especially if cool conditions are

encountered. Suzuka is one of the biggest challenges for the tyres all year because of the track layout: it contains a wide variety of corners, many of which are fast, but there are also some heavy braking areas and tighter corners. The hottest part of the tyre tread can reach 120 degrees centigrade at Suzuka.

Front wing Front wing level is important to eradicate speed sapping understeer through the long ‘Spoon’• corner, and to assist with quick change of direction in the ‘Snake’.

Engine A high-speed figure of eight track that features every possible corner; from high speed kinks to flowing linked turns, profiled curved bends and hairpins. The engine needs to deliver across the entire power spectrum without sacrificing driveability and responsiveness. The high speed corners such as the ‘Esses’ also subject the internals of the engine and lubricant systems to high lateral G-forces.

THE Circuit Turn 1 Turn 1 is almost flat with only a light lift. A quick turn leading into the slower Turn 2.

Turns 3-6 Understeer needs to be minimised for the constant change of direction in this series of turns, with a well-balanced car maintaining the speed.

Turns 8 & 9 Two tricky turns make up Degner. The first is short and narrow, with a cautious approach required because of the inner kerb. Drivers need to get as close as possible to it without making contact.

Turn 13 & 14 Turns 13 + 14 make up the Spoon Curve.

Understeer saps speed here so needs to be minimised; a fast exit is necessary onto the following straight.

Turn 15 130R is flat out, but more difficult when the cars are heavy with fuel.

Turn 16 Turn 16 is the best overtaking opportunity around the circuit layout; DRS effectiveness at this track is less than elsewhere.

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Red Bull Racing Base: Milton Keynes, UK Team Principal: Christian Horner Technical Chief: Adrian Newey Chassis: RB8 Engine: Renault RS27-2012

Debut: Albert Park, 2005 Constructors’ titles: 2 Wins: 31 Pole Positions: 42 Fastest Laps: 25

2012 FORM Sebastian Vettel

Championship Position: 3 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 5.2 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 6.5

Mark webber

Championship Position: 2 Best Qualifying: 2 Average Qualifying: 6.9 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 6.6

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Sebastian Vettel reignited his championship charge with a win last time out in Singapore - his first victory in 10 races and just his second for the season.

The German has fond recent memories of Suzuka having dominated the Grand Prix in 2010 before wrapping up last year’s title at the Japanese circuit with a third place finish.

The Red Bulls can be expected to be highly competitive this weekend, but beating the McLarens will not be easy, especially if the British outfit can continue its four-race pole streak.

Sebastian Vettel Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/07/1987 Debut: Indianapolis, 2007 World Championships: 2 Wins: 23 Poles: 33 Fastest Laps: 13 Career Highlights: 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2006 F3 Euro Series, 2nd 2004 Formula BMW ADAC

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Mark Webber Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 27/08/1976 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 World Championships: 0 Wins: 9 Poles: 9 Fastest Laps: 13 Career Highlights: 3rd 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Championship, 2nd 2001 International F3000, 1st 1996 British FF Festival

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes Base: Woking, UK Team Principal: Martin Whitmarsh Technical Chief: Paddy Lowe Chassis: MP4-27 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z

2012 FORM JENSON BUTTON Championship Position: 7 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 6.6 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 9.1 LEWIS HAMILTON Championship Position: 4 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 3.0 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 9.4

Debut: Monte Carlo, 1966 World Championships: 8 Wins: 180 Poles Positions: 153 Fastest Laps: 149

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Lewis Hamilton and his McLaren are the form combination in the championship at the moment and will enter the weekend as favourites to take victory.

The Briton has scored three of the last four pole positions and two of the last four race wins. Reliability, however, is somewhat of a question mark following Hamilton’s demise in Singapore - McLaren’s fourth mechanical retirement of the season.

Jenson Button meanwhile will face a tough task just to make the podium thanks to a five-place grid penalty for a post-Singapore gearbox change.

Jenson Button Nationality: British Date of Birth: 19/01/1980 Debut: Albert Park, 2000 World Championships: 1 Wins: 14 Poles: 8 Fastest Laps: 7 Career Highlights: 2009 World Drivers’ Champion, 1st 1998 British FF Festival, 1998 British FF Champion

Lewis Hamilton Nationality: British Date of Birth: 07/01/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 World Championships: 1 Wins: 20 Poles: 24 Fastest Laps: 11 Career Highlights: 2008 World Drivers’ Champion, 2006 GP2 Champion, 2005 F3 Euroseries Champion

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

SCUDERIA FERRARI Base: Maranello, Italy Team Principal: Stefano Domenicali Technical Chief: Pat Fry Chassis: F2012 Engine: Ferrari 056

2012 FORM FERNANDO ALONSO Championship Position: 1 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 6.5 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 4.9 FELIPE MASSA Championship Position: 14 Best Qualifying: 3 Average Qualifying: 10.9 Best Finish: 4 Average Finish: 10.2

Debut: Monte Carlo, 1950 World Championships: 16 Wins: 219 Pole Positions: 207 Fastest Laps: 227

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SAY...

Fernando Alonso and Ferrari enter the final six races of the season in the box seat for championship success, provided the Spaniard can continue to score points with the consistency he has thus far.

A podium is perhaps the best that can be expected this weekend, however, as the Ferrari has appeared to slip behind its two closest rivals in recent races following a mid-season spurt.

The team continues to struggle with correlation between its wind tunnel and the race track, forcing the abandonment of a new rear wing package after practice in Singapore. The tunnel will be shut down post-season, such is the scale of the problem.

FERNANDO ALONSO Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 29/07/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 World Championships: 2 Wins: 30 Poles: 22 Fastest Laps: 19 Career Highlights: 2005 and 2006 World Drivers Champion, 1st 1999 Euro Open by Nissan

FELIPE MASSA Nationality: Brazilian Date of Birth: 25/04/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 World Championships: 0 Wins: 11 Poles: 15 Fastest Laps: 14 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 World Driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Championship, 1st 2001 Euro F3000, 1st 2000 Formula Renault Eurocup

Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Base: Brackley, UK Team Principal: Ross Brawn Technical Chief: Bob Bell Chassis: F1 W03 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z

Debut: Albert Park, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 2 Fastest Laps: 3

2012 FORM MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Championship Position: 12 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 7.9 Best Finish: 3 Average Finish: 14.6 NICO ROSBERG Championship Position: 6 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 8.6 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 7.9

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

As much as the members of the Mercedes outfit can be buoyed by recent confirmation that Lewis Hamilton will join the squad next season, its short-term prospects remain modest.

The radical new exhaust package debuted in Singapore did not provide a major improvement in competitiveness, with both W03s starting the Marina Bay race on the fifth row of the grid.

A fifth place finish for Nico Rosberg was at least the young German’s best result in eight races. Both Rosberg and Michael Schumacher should be on for points this weekend, but a return to the podium appears unlikely.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/01/1969 Debut: Spa, 1991 World Championships: 7 Wins: 91 Poles: 69 Fastest Laps: 77 Career Highlights: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 World Drivers’ Champion, 1990 German F3 Champion

NICO ROSBERG Nationality: German Date of Birth: 27/06/1985 Debut: Sakhir, 2006 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 4 Place of Birth: Wiesbaden Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, 2005 GP2 Champion, 1st 2002 Formula BMW ADAC

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

LOTUS F1 TEAM Base: Enstone, UK Team Principal: Eric Boullier Technical Chief: James Allison Chassis: E20 Engine: Renault RS27- 2012

2012 FORM KIMI RAIKKONEN Championship Position: 5 Best Qualifying: 4 Average Qualifying: 8.1 Best Finish: 2 Average Finish: 5.3 ROMAIN GROSJEAN Championship Position: 8 Best Qualifying: 2 Average Qualifying: 7.6 Best Finish: 2 Average Finish: 14.8

Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 3

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

The two Lotus entries of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean failed to excite last time out in Singapore, scoring just sixth and seventh place finishes after qualifying 12th and eighth respectively.

The race result marked Raikkonen’s seventh consecutive top six finish and came despite having missed Q3 for the first time in those seven races.

Suzuka is a circuit that’s expected to suit the E20’s strengths, while Raikkonen is a former winner of the Japanese event. Even so, a podium for either diver still appears this team’s maximum.

KIMI RAIKKONEN Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 17/10/1979 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 World Championships: 1 Wins: 18 Poles: 16 Fastest Laps: 37 Career Highlights: 2007 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2005 World Driver’s Championship, 2000 British Formula Renault champion

ROMAIN GROSJEAN Nationality: French Date of Birth: 17/04/1986 Debut: Valencia, 2009 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2011 GP2 and GP2 Asia Series Champion, 2010 Auto GP champion, 2007 F3 Euro Series Champion

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

SAHARA FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM Base: Silverstone, UK Team Principal: Vijay Mallya Technical Chief: Andrew Green Chassis: VJM05 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z

2012 FORM PAUL DI RESTA Championship Position: 13 Best Qualifying: 4 Average Qualifying: 10.9 Best Finish: 4 Average Finish: 10.1 NICO HULKENBERG Championship Position: 16 Best Qualifying: 5 Average Qualifying: 12.2 Best Finish: 4 Average Finish: 11.7

Debut: Albert Park, 2008 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 2

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Force India has cemented its seventh position in the Constructors’ Championship by scoring 29 points in the last three races - kicking 21 points clear of nearest competitor Williams.

Paul di Resta has been in particularly strong form, finishing a career best fourth in Singapore.

The team has failed to impress at Suzuka in the past, but both Di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg will fancy their chances of at least scoring small points this weekend.

PAUL DI RESTA Nationality: Scottish Date of Birth: 16/04/1986 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 DTM Champion, 2006 Formula 3 Euroseries Champion, 1st 2006 Masters of F3

NICO HULKENBERG Nationality: German Date of Birth: 19/08/1987 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: Pole Position for 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, 2009 GP2 Series Champion, 2005 Formula BMW ADAC champion

Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

SAUBER F1 TEAM Base: Hinwil, Switzerland Team Principal: Peter Sauber Technical Chief: Matt Morris Chassis: C31 Engine: Ferrari 056

2012 FORM KAMUI KOBAYASHI Championship Position: 10 Best Qualifying: 2 Average Qualifying: 11.1 Best Finish: 4 Average Finish: 12.6 SERGIO PEREZ Championship Position: 9 Best Qualifying: 5 Average Qualifying: 12.7 Best Finish: 2 Average Finish: 10.7

Debut: Kylami, 1993 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 4

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Sauber will bring a raft of aero upgrades to Suzuka as its attempts to turn around a difficult weekend in Singapore.

The team’s Marina Bay assault was stifled by Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez qualifying just 14th and 18th respectively - a Saturday performance from which the team could salvage just a single point in the race.

The high-load first sector at Suzuka should play to the Sauber’s strengths, but qualifying will be key to scoring significant points.

KAMUI KOBAYASHI Nationality: Japanese Date of Birth: 13/09/1986 Debut: Interlagos, 2009 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series Champion, 4th 2007 F3 Euroseries, 1st 2005 FRenault Eurocup

SERGIO PEREZ Nationality: Mexican Date of Birth: 26/01/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2nd 2010 GP2 Series, 4th 2007 British F3 Championship Class, 1st 2007 British F3 National Class

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO Base: Faenza, Italy Team Principal: Franz Tost Technical Chief: Giorgio Ascanelli Chassis: STR7 Engine: Ferrari 056

2012 FORM DANIEL RICCIARDO Championship Position: 18 Best Qualifying: 6 Average Qualifying: 14.3 Best Finish: 9 Average Finish: 12.8 JEAN-ERIC VERGNE Championship Position: 17 Best Qualifying: 11 Average Qualifying: 16.7 Best Finish: 8 Average Finish: 14.8

Debut: Sakhir, 2006 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Daniel Ricciardo did the perfect job for a Toro Rosso driver in Singapore - escaping the carnage to score two points for the squad that in one-lap pace continues to shade only the bottom three teams.

The Australian has now scored four points in the last three races, while Jean-Eric Vergne’s effort from Belgium ensures the team has collected eight of its season total of 14 points in the last three events.

Short-term prospects for moving up the order remain relatively bleak however as the squad focuses on its 2014 car under the auspices of its new technical director James Key.

DANIEL RICCIARDO Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 01/07/1989 Debut: Silverstone, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2009 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd 2010 Formula Renault 3.5, 2008 Formula Renault 2.0 Champion

JEAN-ERIC VERGNE Nationality: French Date of Birth:25/04/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: – Wins: – Poles: – Fastest Laps: – Career Highlights: 2nd 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, 2010 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd European Formula Renault 2.0 series

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

WILLIAMS Base: Grove, UK Team Principal: Frank Williams Technical Chief: Mike Coughlan Chassis: FW34 Engine: Renault RS27- 2012

2012 FORM PASTOR MALDONADO Championship Position: 11 Best Qualifying: 2 Average Qualifying: 8.4 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 14.9 BRUNO SENNA Championship Position: 15 Best Qualifying: 9 Average Qualifying: 14.7 Best Finish: 6 Average Finish: 13.1

Debut: Aires, 1978 World Championships: 9 Wins: 114 Pole Positions: 127 Fastest Laps: 131

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SAY...

Pastor Maldonado and Williams again proved that anything is possible from them this season in Singapore, taking a sensational second on the grid after beating all but the pace-setting McLaren of Lewis Hamilton in the final period of qualifying.

The Venezuelan had appeared set for a top five finish before being let down by a mechanical failure mid-race.

While Maldonado has not scored a single point since his victory in Spain 10 races ago, a return to the podium is certainly not out of the question here.

PASTOR MALDONADO Nationality: Venezuelan Date of Birth: 09/03/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 GP2 Champion, 3rd 2006 Formula Renault 3.5, 1st 2004 Formula Renault 2000 Italia

BRUNO SENNA Nationality: Brazilian Date of Birth: 15/10/1983 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 GP2 Series, 3rd 2006 British F3 Championship, 5th 2008 GP2 Asia Series

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

CATERHAM F1 TEAM Base: Hingham, UK Team Principal: Tony Fernandes Technical Chief: Mike Gascoyne Chassis: CT01 Engine: Renault RS27-2012

Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships : 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0

2012 FORM HEIKKI KOVALAINEN Championship Position: 19 Best Qualifying: 16 Average Qualifying: 18.6 Best Finish: 13 Average Finish: 16.9 VITALY PETROV Championship Position: 20 Best Qualifying: 19 Average Qualifying: 19.6 Best Finish: 13 Average Finish: 17.5

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Caterham suffered a major blow in Singapore as Timo Glock’s 12th place finish for Marussia saw the team lose 10th in the Constructors’ Championship to its Russian-owned rival.

Vitaly Petrov out-qualified team-mate Heikki Kovalainen for just the third time all season at the Marina Bay venue as the Finn struggled to find a balance.

Expect the team’s situation to return to normal this weekend, with Kovalainen qualifying as the best of the bottom six drivers in his traditional 18th place.

HEIKKI KOVALAINEN Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 19/10/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 2 Career Highlights: 1st 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, 2nd 2005 GP2 Series, 1st 2004 World Series by Nissan

VITALY PETROV Nationality: Russian Date of Birth: 08/09/1984 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 3rd 2011 Australian Grand Prix, 2nd 2009 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 GP2 Asia Series

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

HRT F1 TEAM Base: Madrid, Spain Team Principal: Luis Perez-Sala Technical Chief: Jean-Claude Martens Chassis: F112 Engine: Cosworth CA2012

2012 FORM PEDRO DE LA ROSA Championship Position: 24 Best Qualifying: 21 Average Qualifying: 22.4 Best Finish: 17 Average Finish: 20.2 NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN Championship Position: 23 Best Qualifying: 22 Average Qualifying: 23.5 Best Finish: 15 Average Finish: 21.1

Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 WIns: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SAY...

HRT owner Luis Perez-Sala has been talking up the concept of again allowing customer cars in Formula 1 as his team struggles to make any inroads on the ferociously competitive pack ahead.

Expect this team to again fill the back row of the grid this weekend, with a larger than normal gap separating Pedro de la Rosa from team-mate Narain Karthikeyan.

The Spaniard has a wealth of experience at the Japanese venue form his time in both Formula 1 and the local junior formula, while the Indian continues to struggle at this level of the sport, crashing last time out in Singapore.

PEDRO DE LA ROSA Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 24/02/1971 Debut: Albert Park, 1999 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 1997 Formula Nippon F3000 Champion, 1995 Japanese Formula 3 Champion

NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN Nationality: Indian Date of Birth: 14/01/1977 Debut: Albert Park, 2005 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 4th 2005 US Grand Prix, 4th 2000 British F3 Championship, 4th 2003 Formula Nissan WS

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

MARUSSIA F1 TEAM Base: Banbury, UK Team Principal: John Booth Technical Chief: Pat Symonds Chassis: MR01 Engine: Cosworth CA2012

2012 FORM TIMO GLOCK Championship Position: 21 Best Qualifying: 20 Average Qualifying: 21.3 Best Finish: 12 Average Finish: 17.5 CHARLES pIC Championship Position: 22 Best Qualifying: 21 Average Qualifying: 22.0 Best Finish: 15 Average Finish: 18.6

Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Marussia heads to Japan in high spirits after Timo Glock’s fortunate but potentially highly lucrative 12th place finish in Singapore.

Glock has asserted his authority over rookie team-mate Charles Pic in recent races after losing the edge around the season’s midway point. The Frenchman has yet to race at Suzuka and will be doing well to match the German this weekend.

The team will bring more upgrades to the Japanese race as it continues to chase the outright performance of the Caterham.

TIMO GLOCK Nationality: German Date of Birth: 18/03/1982 Debut: Montreal, 2004 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 2 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2nd 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, 2007 GP2 Champion, 1st 2001 Formula BMW ADAC

CHARLES pic Nationality: French Date of Birth: 15/02/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 4th 2011 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 and 2009 World Series by Renault FR 3.5

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Round 15 - Japan I Race Stats

Championship Standings World Drivers Championship NO

Driver

Nat

Car

Points

1

Fernando Alonso

Spain

Ferrari

194

2

Sebastian Vettel

Germany

Red Bull

165

3

Kimi Raikkonen

Finland

Lotus

149

4

Lewis Hamilton

Great Britain

McLaren

142

5

Mark Webber

Australia

Red Bull

132

6

Jenson Button

Great Britain

McLaren

119

7

Nico Rosberg

Germany

Mercedes

93

8

Romain Grosjean

France

Lotus

82

9

Sergio Perez

Mexico

Sauber

66

10

Felipe Massa

Brazil

Ferrari

51

11

Paul Di Resta

Great Britain

Force India

44

12

Michael Schumacher

Germany

Mercedes

43

13

Kamui Kobayshi

Japan

Sauber

35

14

Nico Hulkenberg

Germany

Force India

31

15

Pastor Maldonado

Venezuala

Williams

29

16

Bruno Senna

Brazil

Williams

25

17

Jean-Eric Vergne

France

Toro Rosso

8

18

Daniel Ricciardo

Australia

Toro Rosso

6

19

Timo Glock

Germany

Marussia

0

20

Heikki Kovalainen

Finland

Caterham

0

21

Vitaly Petrov

Russia

Caterham

0

22

Jérôme D’Ambrosio

Belgium

Lotus

0

23

Charles Pic

France

Marussia

0

24

Narain Karthikeyan

India

HRT

0

25

Pedro de la Rosa

Spain

HRT

0

World Constructors Championship Pos

Constructor

Points

1

Red Bull Racing

297

2

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

261

3

Scuderia Ferrari

245

4

Lotus F1 Team

231

5

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

136

6

Sauber F1 Team

101

7

Sahara Force India F1 Team

75

8

Williams F1 Team

54

9

Scuderia Toro Rosso

14

10

Caterham F1 Team

0

11

Marussia F1 Team

0

12

HRT F1 Team

0

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Round 15 - Japan I Race Stats

Previous Japanese GP Winners Year 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1977 1976

Driver Jenson Button Sebastian Vettel Sebastian Vettel Fernando Alonso Lewis Hamilton Fernando Alonso Kimi Räikkönen Michael Schumacher Rubens Barrichello Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Mika Häkkinen Mika Häkkinen Michael Schumacher Damon Hill Michael Schumacher Damon Hill Ayrton Senna Riccardo Patrese Gerhard Berger Nelson Piquet Alessandro Nannini Ayrton Senna Gerhard Berger James Hunt Mario Andretti

Car McLaren-Mercedes Red Bull-Renault Red Bull-Renault Renault McLaren-Mercedes Renault McLaren-Mercedes Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari McLaren-Mercedes McLaren-Mercedes Ferrari Williams-Renault Benetton-Renault Williams-Renault McLaren-Ford Williams-Renault McLaren-Honda Benetton-Ford Benetton-Ford McLaren-Honda Ferrari McLaren-Ford Lotus-Ford

Location Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Fuji Fuji Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Fuji Suzuka Fuji

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Round 15 - Japan I Race Stats

Previous World Dri

Year

Driver

Nat

Constructor

Wins

Poles

Points

2011

Sebastian Vettel

GER

Red Bull

11

15

392

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

Sebastian Vettel Jenson Button Lewis Hamilton Kimi Räikkönen Fernando Alonso Fernando Alonso Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Mika Häkkinen Mika Häkkinen Jacques Villeneuve Damon Hill Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Alain Prost Nigel Mansell Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna Alain Prost Ayrton Senna Nelson Piquet Alain Prost Alain Prost Niki Lauda Nelson Piquet Keke Rosberg Nelson Piquet

GER GBR GBR FIN ESP ESP GER GER GER GER GER FIN FIN CAN GBR GER GER FRA GBR BRA BRA FRA BRA BRA FRA FRA AUT BRA FIN BRA

Red Bull Brawn McLaren Ferrari Renault Renault Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari McLaren McLaren Williams Williams Benetton Benetton Williams Williams McLaren McLaren McLaren McLaren Williams McLaren McLaren McLaren Brabham Williams Brabham

5 6 5 6 7 7 13 6 11 9 9 5 8 7 8 9 8 7 9 7 6 4 8 3 4 5 5 3 1 3

10 4 7 3 6 6 8 5 7 11 9 11 9 10 9 4 6 13 14 8 10 2 13 4 1 2 0 1 1 4

256 95 98 110 134 133 148 93 144 123 108 76 100 81 97 102 92 99 108 96 78 76 90 73 72 73 72 59 44 50

Round 15 - Japan I Race Stats

riversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Champions

Year 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950

Driver Alan Jones Jody Scheckter Mario Andretti Niki Lauda James Hunt Niki Lauda Emerson Fittipaldi Jackie Stewart Emerson Fittipaldi Jackie Stewart Jochen Rindt Jackie Stewart Graham Hill Denny Hulme Jack Brabham Jim Clark John Surtees Jim Clark Graham Hill Phil Hill Jack Brabham Jack Brabham Mike Hawthorn Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Alberto Ascari Alberto Ascari Juan Manuel Fangio Giuseppe Farina

Nat AUS RSA USA AUT GBR AUT BRA GBR BRA GBR AUT GBR GBR NZL AUS GBR GBR GBR GBR USA AUS AUS GBR ARG ARG ARG ARG ITA ITA ARG ITA

Constructor Williams Ferrari Lotus Ferrari McLaren Ferrari McLaren Tyrell Lotus Tyrell Lotus Matra Lotus Brabham Brabham Lotus Ferrari Lotus BRM Ferrari Cooper Cooper Ferrari Maserati Ferrari Mercedes Maserati/Mercedes Ferrari Ferrari Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo

Wins 5 3 6 3 6 5 3 5 5 6 5 6 3 2 4 6 2 7 4 2 5 2 1 4 3 4 6 5 6 3 3

Poles 3 1 8 2 8 9 2 3 3 6 3 2 2 0 3 6 2 7 1 5 3 1 4 4 6 3 5 6 5 4 2

Points 67 51 64 72 69 64.5 55 71 61 62 45 63 48 51 42 54 40 54 42 34 43 31 42 40 30 40 42 34.5 36 31 30

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McLaren popped in another sub three second pitstop in Singapore, where Lewis Hamilton looked on course to win before being let down by a gearbox failure

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