Speedcafe.com Race Guide - 2011 Japanese Grand Prix

FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX (Suzuka) October 7 - 9 2011

DRIVER PROFILES Statistics

F1 Photos and more!

SENNA Bruno says there's more to come in Suzuka

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2010 Japanese Grand Prix saw Vitaly Petrov

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Round 15 - Japan I Introduction

Plenty to play for It's set to be a busy Sunday afternoon for Australian race fans, with the Japanese Grand Prix again being run on the same day as the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

JAPAN

As Australia's greatest motor race comes to a close, the 15th round of the 2011 Formula One World Championship will commence, likely crowning Sebastian Vettel as a double World Champion.

EDITOR: Stefan Bartholomaeus

Even if nearest rival Jenson Button wins at Suzuka, the 24-year-old German can wrap up the title by scoring a single point.

PRODUCTION: Stefan Bartholomaeus

It's been a magnificent season for both drivers, with Vettel having scored 11 pole positions and nine race victories across the 14 events held thus far.

SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson

One could argue that Red Bull's RB6 has been clearly the fastest car all season, but as Mark Webber's mixed fortunes have proven, it takes more than just a fast car to win in Formula One.

IMAGES: Scuderia Ferrari

While less statistically spectacular, Button has also appeared to be in career best form in 2011 - extracting the maximum from his McLaren-Mercedes package in a campaign that contrasts strongly with his incident-prone team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Red Bull Racing Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Mercedes GP Lotus Renault GP

Regardless of Hamilton's issues, both McLaren drivers find themselves in the intense fight for second in the championship standings with five races remaining - a battle that will be brought further into the limelight once Vettel puts the top spot beyond doubt.

Virgin Racing Hispania Racing Team PARTNERS: Castrol EDGE, IRWIN Tools, Jack Daniel’s, Orrcon Steel, Pirtek, Vodafone, HDT, Norton 360, Toshiba, Armor All

With Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber sandwiched in between Button and Hamilton in the standings, just 17 points separate second from fifth.

There's certainly plenty still to play for, regardless of Vettel's impending title glory.

Green means go!

Stefan Bartholomaeus G R O U P

M E D I A Journalist, Speedcafe.com Editor, Speedcafe Race Guides

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Round 15 - Japan I Cover Story

SENNA Bruno says there’s more to come in Suzuka

Outside of Brazil, nowhere does the name Senna resonate louder than in Japan.

Forged through a combination of successful ties with Honda and his memorable deeds on the Suzuka circuit, the late Ayrton Senna effectively enjoyed two home Grands Prix each season, such was his popularity in the Land of the Rising Sun. While Bruno Senna, Ayrton's nephew, may have yet to make his mark on the country's passionate Formula One fan base, the 27-year-old enjoyed his first Japanese Grand Prix last year, and regards Suzuka as one of his favourite circuits.

This weekend's race will be the fourth since Senna replaced Nick Heidfeld at Lotus Renault GP. Beginning with an outstanding seventh in qualifying at Spa, Senna has out-qualified team-mate Vitaly Petrov in two of the three races, and scored his first career points at Monza.

The team had a tough run last time out on the streets of Singapore, but Senna is convinced there's more to come from both himself and the car across the season's final events.

"For me personally it was quite a positive weekend," says Senna of the recent Marina Bay event, which

yielded just a 15th place finish.

"In this latest stage of my learning curve, I managed to cut out any mistakes which is positive. I had a very full programme working with engineers, and the work I’m doing with them is getting better and better.

"Despite the Marina Bay Circuit not being a track where the R31 is naturally at ease, I was still able to notice an improvement in my relationship with the car, and I feel there is a discernible direction in which we are going. I’m becoming more ingratiated with the team and with the car, which gives me

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comfort as I look forward to the next race."

Senna, who also drove in 18 races last season for Hispania, says he is not yet on an even-keel with his more experienced rivals.

up with the other drivers on the grid, but they have a considerable amount more experience than I do, and greater knowledge about the tyres too."

"Undoubtedly they (the other drivers) still have the upper hand because they have completed more races than me," says Senna.

Persisting with its radical forwardfacing exhaust package, Renault has lost competitiveness as the season has progressed, with Petrov and Heidfeld's podium finishes at Albert Park and Sepang now distant memories.

"So far, I’ve driven at three very different circuits so far in very different conditions, and Suzuka will be another of the traditional races where I have limited experience. I’m learning and catching-

With its exhaust/diffuser package proving particularly weak on slowspeed circuits such as the Hungaroring and Marina Bay, Renault technical director James Allison is confident that

his team will be closer to the pace on the more flowing Suzuka layout.

"I expect us to be much more in the hunt than we were in Singapore," says Allison.

"There are just two slow corners at Suzuka, and the R31 is much more at home on flowing, faster tracks. I will be disappointed if we are not in the top 10 cars in qualifying to give us an opportunity to exorcise the disappointment of Singapore.

"We ought to be able to get the car back into the points. We need to – Force India is starting to breathe down our neck and we need a few good results to stay ahead."

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Round 15 - Japan I Track Details

Key Characteristics

Set-up Insight

- Very high percentage of medium & high speed corners - Extremely lateral track - Ability to ride kerbs is not a priority - Multiple altitude changes and very narrow track make overtaking difficult - Very easy on brakes - Low front ride height possible (track very smooth) - Wind often changes between Fri & Sun (changed 180° in ‘09 & ‘10) - Good balance critical for Sector 1 and high-speed Sector 2 sector

Bumpiness Overtaking chance Kerbs Ride Height Engine severity Gearbox severity Lat/long grip sensitive Aero efficiency ratio Weekend grip evolution Aero settings Brake wear sensitivity Brake cooling necessity Pirelli tyre compounds

Low Low Smooth Low High Low Lateral High High Medium/High Very Low Low Soft and Medium Data supplied by Team Lotus

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Round 15 - Japan I The Bag Man

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

RED BULL RACING

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

Sebastian Vettel Nationality: German Wins: 18 DoB: 03/07/1987 Poles: 25 Debut: Indianapolis, 2007 Fastest Laps: 7 Career Highlights: 2010 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2006 F3 Euro Series, 2nd 2004 Formula BMW ADAC

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Sebastian Vettel needs just one point from this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix to wrap up the title, and that’s assuming Jenson Button wins...

The championship situation will thus have no impact on Vettel or Red Bull’s approach to the weekend, so expect to see the German’s recent run of wins in Japan continue.

Mark Webber’s form however remains harder to forecast, with the Australian struggling to get the most out of the car in qualifying, and continuing to lose places off the grid.

A one-two for Red Bull remains the race’s most likely outcome though.

Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber Nationality: Australian Wins: 6 DoB: 27/08/1976 Poles: 9 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 Fastest Laps: 10 Career Highlights: 3rd 2010 World Drivers’ Championship, 2nd 2001 International F3000, 1st 1996 British FF Festival

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Chassis: Red Bull RB7 Engine: Renault RS27-2011 Base: Milton Keynes, UK Team nationality: Austrian Team principal: Christian Horner Technical leader: Adrian Newey Debut: Albert Park, 2005 Wins: 23 Poles: 33 Fastest Laps: 17 Constructors’ Championships: 1

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

McLaren Mercedes

Expect McLaren to again be best of the rest this weekend, with victory not completely out of the question.

Lewis Hamilton Nationality: British Wins: 16 DoB: 07/01/1985 Poles: 18 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 Fastest Laps: 11 Career Highlights: 2008 World Drivers’ Champion, 2006 GP2 Champion, 2005 F3 Euroseries Champion

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Nationality: British Wins: 11 DoB: 19/01/1980 Poles: 7 Debut: Albert Park, 2000 Fastest Laps: 5 Career Highlights: 2009 World Drivers’ Champion, 1st 1998 British FF Festival, 1998 British FF Champion

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Jenson Button is driving better than ever in 2011, extracting everything he can from the McLaren package which continues to lack the outright speed of the Red Bull.

By contrast, Vettel’s run of success appears to be driving Lewis Hamilton to the brink of madness, with more erratic driving in Singapore leading to serious questions being asked within the team.

Brilliant Suzuka circuit should emphasise the 2008 World Champ’s pure speed, and a trouble-free run to the podium would be a great result.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Jenson Button

2001

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

Chassis: McLaren MP4-26 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Y Base: Woking, UK Team nationality: British Team principal: Martin Whitmarsh Technical leader: Paddy Lowe Debut: Monte Carlo, 1966 Wins: 173 Poles: 146 Fastest Laps: 146 Constructors’ Championships: 8

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

Ferrari

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Fernando Alonso was understandably downbeat after the Sinapore Grand Prix, where the Ferrari was again off the pace of its Red Bull and McLaren opposition.

Fernando Alonso Nationality: Spanish Wins: 27 DoB: 29/07/1981 Poles: 20 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 Fastest Laps: 19 Career Highlights: 2005 and 2006 World Drivers Champion, 1st 1999 Euro Open by Nissan

Ironically, the red cars proved stronger on the harder of the two compounds available at Marina Bay - with the team’s familiar tyre warm-up issues replaced by high wear rates.

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Podiums will be at a premium for the Spaniard for the rest of the season.

Felipe Massa was far from amused by his collision with Lewis Hamilton in Singapore, and will be once again out to prove a point at Suzuka. Is likely to again struggle to match Alonso for speed however.

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

Felipe Massa Nationality: Brazilian Wins: 11 DoB: 25/04/1981 Poles: 15 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 Fastest Laps: 14 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 World Drivers’ Championship, 1st 2001 Euro F3000, 1st 2000 Formula Renault Eurocup

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Chassis: Ferrari 150th Italia Engine: Ferrari 056 Base: Maranello, Italy Team nationality: Italian Team principal: Stefano Domenicalli Technical leader: Pat Fry Debut: Monte Carlo, 1950 Wins: 216 Poles: 205 Fastest Laps: 227 Constructors’ Championships: 16

Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

Mercedes

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Nationality: German Wins: 91 DoB: 03/01/1969 Poles: 68 Debut: Spa, 1991 Fastest Laps: 76 Career Highlights: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 World Drivers’ Champion, 1st 1990 German F3

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NICO ROSBERG

As predicted, Mercedes GP lost ground relative to its rivals as the championship moved from the high-speed Monza to the low-speed Marina Bay. Suzuka will underline the W02’s downforce deficit compared to the very best, but points finishes can still be expected from both Rosberg and Schumacher.

The latter had been running strongly in Singapore prior to misjudging the difference in speed between himself and a tyre-handicapped Sergio Perez, while Rosberg has been among the top 10 in six of the last seven races.

Mercedes has announced the signing of former Ferrari technical director Aldo Costa and HRT consultant Geoff Willis in recent days as it looks to its 2012 campaign.

Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team

Nationality: German Wins: 0 DoB: 27/06/1985 Poles: 0 Debut: Sakhir, 2006 Fastest Laps: 2 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, 2005 GP2 Champion, 1st 2002 Formula BMW ADAC

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Chassis: Mercedes MGP W02 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Y Base: Brackley, UK Team nationality: British Team principal: Ross Brawn Technical leader: Bob Bell Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

RENAULT

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

BrUno Senna Nationality: Brazilian Wins: 0 DoB: 15/10/1983 Poles: 0 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 GP2 Series, 3rd 2006 British F3 Championship, 5th 2008 GP2 Asia Series

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Lotus Renault is looking to bounce back from its worst weekend of the season in Singapore. Bruno Senna and Vitaly Petrov were reduced to fighting over 17th place in Q1 at the Marina Bay circuit, and the race proved little better.

While the R31s were expected to struggle on the relatively slow-speed layout, having also proven off the pace in Monaco and Hungary, team bosses have publically lamented the decision to run its radical forward-facing exhaust package this year following the Singapore disaster.

Having out-paced Petrov at Marina Bay, Senna will be looking to continue his show of speed this weekend in a country his late uncle was particularly fond of.

Points will be a stretch though.

Lotus Renault GP

Vitaly Petrov Nationality: Russian Wins: 0 DoB: 08/09/1984 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 3rd 2011 Australian Grand Prix, 2nd 2009 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 GP2 Asia Series

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Chassis: Renault R31 Engine: Renault RS27-2011 Base: Enstone, UK Team nationality: British Team principal: Eric Boullier Technical leader: James Allison Debut: Silverstone, 1977 Wins: 35 Poles: 51 Fastest Laps: 31 Constructors’ Championships: 2

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

WILLIAMS

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

Rubens Barrichello Nationality: Brazilian Wins: 11 DoB: 23/05/1972 Poles: 14 Debut: Kyalami, 1993 Fastest Laps: 17 Career Highlights: 2nd 2002 and 2004 World Drivers Championship, 1991 British Formula 3 Champion

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Pastor Maldonado Nationality: Venezuelan Wins: 0 DoB: 09/03/1985 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 GP2 Champion, 3rd 2006 Formula Renault 3.5, 1st 2004 Formula Renault 2000 Italia

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Williams was unlucky to miss out on a points finish in Singapore, with Rubens Barrichello and Pastor Maldonado both qualifying and finishing in the top 13, but missing the top 10 on both occasions.

The Brazilian has been under plenty of off-track pressure in recent weeks, with rumours of former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen making a Formula One comeback with the Grove team circling.

While an unexpected verbal broadside from Lewis Hamilton following the Singapore race will have also endured Barrichello is on maximum attack in Japan, a points finish remains a tall order.

AT&T Williams Chassis: Williams FW33 Engine: Cosworth CA2011 Base: Grove, UK Team nationality: British Team principal: Frank Williams Technical leader: Sam Michael Debut: Buenos Aires, 1978 Wins: 113 Poles: 126 Fastest Laps: 130 Constructors’ Championships: 9

Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

FORCE INDIA

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Force India has its dander well up heading to Suzuka.

Adrian Sutil Nationality: German Wins: 0 DoB: 11/01/1983 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2006 All-Japan F3 Champion, 2nd 2005 F3 Euroseries, 2nd 2005 Masters of F3

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Paul di Resta Nationality: Scottish Wins: 0 DoB: 16/04/1986 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 DTM Champion, 2006 Formula 3 Euroseries Champion, 1st 2006 Masters of F3

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The Singapore weekend saw both Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta qualify and finish in the top 10, yielding a total of 12 Constructors’ Championship points.

Team owner Vijay Mallya voiced his desire to see the team overhaul Lotus Renault for fifth before the season is out.

The black and gold cars are currently a hefty, but not insurmountable, 22 points ahead of their rivals.

More points this weekend is a very achievable target for Force India.

Force India Chassis: Force India VJM04 Engine: Mercedes FO 108Y Base: Silverstone, UK Team nationality: Indian Team principal: Vijay Mallya Technical leader: Andrew Green Debut: Albert Park, 2008 Wins: 0 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 1 Constructors’ Championships: 0

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

SAUBER

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

Kamui Kobayashi Nationality: Japanese Wins: 0 DoB: 13/09/1986 Poles: 0 Debut: Interlagos, 2009 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series Champion, 4th 2007 F3 Euroseries, 1st 2005 FRenault Eurocup

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Sergio Perez Nationality: Mexican Wins: 0 DoB: 26/01/1990 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2010 GP2 Series, 4th 2007 British F3 Championship Class, 1st 2007 British F3 National Class

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Having struggled to score points in recent races, both due to a fundamental lack of speed and several on-track incidents, Sauber will introduce a major aerodynamic update package in Japan.

The Swiss team will bring new front and rear wings, turning vanes/side pod deflectors and brake ducts, while the C30s will also sport floor modifications in a bid to thrust both Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez into the points.

Perez took 10th in Singapore after a fine performance in both qualifying and the race, while local hero Kobayashi has been score-less over the last four races.

Sauber F1 Team Chassis: Sauber C30 Engine: Ferrari 056 Base: Hinwil, Switzerland Team nationality: Swiss Team principal: Peter Sauber Technical leader: James Key Debut: Kylami, 1993 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 2 Constructors’ Championships: 0

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Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

TORO ROSSO

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

Sebastien Buemi Nationality: Swiss Wins: 0 DoB: 31/10/1988 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2009 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 GP2 Asia, 2nd 2007 F3 Euroseries, 2nd 2005 Formula BMW World Final

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Toro Rosso continued its recent trend of having both cars in or both cars out of the points in Singapore, with a 12th and 21st place finishes for Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari respectively halting the team’s charge at Sauber in the Constructors’ Championship.

The Marina Bay event was a disaster for the Spaniard, who, after a poor start, damaged his car against the Lotus of Jarno Trulli in the early laps. An unforced error in the closing stages saw Alguersuari’s day end in the wall, while Buemi fought valiantly, albeit fruitlessly, for the final point.

Expect both drivers to be back in the battle for points this weekend.

Toro Rosso

Jaime Alguersuari Nationality: Spanish Wins: 0 DoB: 23/03/1990 Poles: 0 Debut: Budapest, 2009 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2008 British F3 Champion, 2nd 2007 Formula Renault Italia, 1st 2006 FR Italia Winter Series

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DNF

11

Chassis: Toro Rosso STR6 Engine: Ferrari 056 Base: Farenza, Italy Team nationality: Italian Team principal: Franz Tost Technical leader: Giorgio Ascanelli Debut: Bahrain, 2006 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

W E N

25

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26

Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

LOTUS

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

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

Recent Grand Prix Form ESP

MON

CAN

EUR

GBR

GER

HUN

BEL

ITA

SIN

DNF

14

DNF

19

DNF

16

DNF

15

13

16

Team Lotus had perhaps its most encouraging weekend yet in Singapore, as Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli proved competitive amongst the tail-end of the ‘established’ runners for the first time.

While Kovalainen went on to finish 16th - genuinely ahead of Vitaly Petrov’s Renault - it wasn’t all good news for the team, with Trulli retiring with a gearbox failure.

The team will be aiming to repeat its Singapore form this weekend while seeing both cars safely home to the flag.

Recent Suzuka Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

11

12

JARNO TRULLI Nationality: Italian Wins: 1 DoB: 13/07/1974 Poles: 4 Debut: Albert Park, 1997 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 1st 2004 Monaco Grand Prix, 1996 German F3 Champion, 2nd 1995 Macau Grand Prix

Recent Grand Prix Form ESP

MON

CAN

EUR

GBR

GER

HUN

BEL

ITA

SIN

18

13

16

20

DNF

-

DNF

14

14

DNF

Recent Suzuka Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

8

DNF

5

11

DNF

DNF

6

-

2

12

Team Lotus Chassis: Lotus T128 Engine: Renault RS27-2011 Base: Norfolk, UK Team nationality: Malaysian Team principal: Tony Fernandes Technical leader: Mike Gascoyne Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

27

28

Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

HRT

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

Daniel Ricciardo Nationality: Australian Wins: 0 DoB: 01/07/1989 Poles: 0 Debut: Silverstone, 2011 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2009 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd 2010 Formula Renault 3.5

Daniel Ricciardo and Tonio Liuzzi will both be under instruction to stay out of trouble in Japan after contact cost both drivers in Singapore.

Ricciardo again managed to out-qualifying his more experienced team-mate, but threw away his advantage with a Lap 1 collision with Timo Glock’s Virgin Racing entry.

ESP

MON

CAN

EUR

GBR

GER

HUN

BEL

ITA

SIN

-

-

-

-

19

19

18

DNF

NC

9

The Australian still finished as the highest placed HRT driver thanks to Liuzzi later hitting a barrier and pitting for a new front wing.

Both drivers were out-paced by the Virgins in qualifying - a situation that’s unlikely to change this weekend.

Recent Grand Prix Form

Recent Suzuka Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

HRT F1 Team

Vitantonio Liuzzi Nationality: Italian Wins: 0 DoB: 06/08/1981 Poles: 0 Debut: Imola, 2005 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 3rd 2008/09 Speedcar Series, 2004 F3000 Champion, 2nd 2001 Formula Renault Germany

Recent Grand Prix Form ESP

MON

CAN

EUR

GBR

GER

HUN

BEL

ITA

SIN

DNF

16

13

23

18

DNF

20

19

DNF

20

Recent Suzuka Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14

DNF

Chassis: HRT F111 Engine: Cosworth CA2011 Base: Madrid, Spain Team nationality: Spanish Team principal: Colin Kolles Technical leader: Tony Cuquerella Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

29

30

Round 15 - Japan I Driver Profiles

VIRGIN

THE BAGMAN’S SAY

Timo Glock Nationality: German Wins: 0 DoB: 18/03/1982 Poles: 0 Debut: Montreal, 2004 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2nd 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, 2007 GP2 Champion, 1st 2001 Formula BMW ADAC

Recent Grand Prix Form ESP

MON

CAN

EUR

GBR

GER

HUN

BEL

ITA

SIN

19

DNF

15

21

16

17

17

18

15

DNF

Recent Suzuka Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

2

DNF

Jerome D’Ambrosio Nationality: Belgian Wins: 0 DoB: 27/12/1985 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series, 1st 2007 International Formula Master, 1st 2003 FRenault Belgium

Recent Grand Prix Form ESP

MON

CAN

EUR

GBR

GER

HUN

BEL

ITA

SIN

20

15

14

22

17

18

19

17

DNF

18

Recent Suzuka Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Virgin Racing heads into the Japanese Grand Prix needing a 13th place finish from the remaining races in order to move off the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship table.

While Timo Glock endured a tough race in Singapore, eventually crashing out after being hampered by earlier damage, Jerome D’Ambrosio put in his best performance of the year.

The Belgian rookie qualified just off of Glock, and took a mature 18th place finish in the race. Expect Glock to re-assert his authority this weekend however.

Marussia Virgin Racing Chassis: MVR-02 Engine: Cosworth CA2011 Base: Dinnington, UK Team nationality: Russian Team principal: John Booth Technical leader: TBA Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

31

32

Round 15 - Japan I Race Stats

RECENT JAPANESE GRAND PRIX WINNERS Year 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 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

Constructor 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 Fuji Fuji Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Suzuka Fuji Fuji

33

34

Round 15 - Japan I Race Stats

PAST CHAMPIONS Year 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

Driver 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

Nat 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

Constructor 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

Wins 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

Poles 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

Points 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

35

36

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Round 15 - Japan I Race Stats

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS World Drivers Championship NO

Driver

Nat

Car

Points

1

Sebastian Vettel

DEU

Red Bull

309

2

Jenson Button

GBR

McLaren

185

3

Fernando Alonso

ESP

Ferrari

184

4

Mark Webber

AUS

Red Bull

182

5

Lewis Hamilton

GBR

McLaren

168

6

Felipe Massa

BRA

Ferrari

84

7

Nico Rosberg

DEU

Mercedes

62

8

Michael Schumacher

DEU

Mercedes

52

9

Vitaly Petrov

RUS

Renault

34

10

Nick Heidfeld

DEU

Renault

34

11

Adrian Sutil

DEU

Force India

28

12

Kamui Kobayashi

JPN

Sauber

27

13

Paul di Resta

GBR

Force India

20

14

Jaime Alguersuari

ESP

Toro Rosso

16

15

Sébastien Buemi

CHE

Toro Rosso

13

16

Sergio Perez

MEX

Sauber

9

17

Rubens Barrichello

BRA

Williams

4

18

Bruno Senna

BRA

Renault

2

19

Pastor Maldonado

VEN

Williams

1

20

Pedro de la Rosa

ESP

Sauber

0

21

Jarno Trulli

ITA

Lotus

0

22

Heikki Kovalainen

FIN

Lotus

0

23

Vitantonio Liuzzi

ITA

HRT

0

24

Jérôme D’Ambrosio

BEL

Virgin

0

25

Timo Glock

DEU

Virgin

0

26

Narain Karthikeyan

IND

HRT

0

27

Daniel Ricciardo

AUS

HRT

0

28

Karun Chandhok

IND

Lotus

0

World Constructors Championship Pos

Constructor

Engine

Points

1

Red Bull Racing

Renault

491

2

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Mercedes

353

3

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

Ferrari

268

4

Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team

Mercedes

114

5

Lotus Renault GP

Renault

70

6

Force India F1 Team

Mercedes

48

7

Sauber F1 Team

Ferrari

36

8

Scuderia Toro Rosso

Ferrari

29

9

AT&T Williams

Cosworth

5

10

Team Lotus

Renault

0

11

HRT F1 Team

Cosworth

0

12

Marussia Virgin Racing

Cosworth

0

37

38

Night racing makes for spectacular celebrations, like that enjoyed by top three finishers Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Mark Webber in Singapore

39

40