Sam Michael, Technical Director: Suzuka is a high downforce circuit with a figure of eight layout. The track has it all, but one of its highlights is the fantastic Esses section. Being able to deliver a strong sector time across that part of the lap is one of the best indicators of a driver’s ability.
Both cars will be running our final upgrade components and we expect to run them all weekend. Our target will be for both FW32s to be fighting for points among the top 8 contenders and to therefore be racing for points.
Rubens Barrichello: I love going to this race, it’s in my top three of all the tracks we visit. It’s a big effort to get there, especially from Brazil, but you quickly forget about that when you engage first gear and leave the garage for the first time. Suzuka is a lovely circuit. It’s a very high speed track and has lots of high speed corners. You really have to be on it all the time.
I’m fortunate enough to have raced in Japan since 1993 and it’s wonderful to keep going back. We will have to wait and see how we go but I am optimistic that we can do well again this weekend.
Nico Hülkenberg: I’ve never been to Japan before. I’ve heard good things about it though so I’m really looking forward to this trip. As I obviously haven’t driven the track before either, I’ve been preparing on the simulator at the factory. I’ve also been going through data with my engineers to be in the best position I can be when I get there.
It looks like it’s going to be a fun track to drive. I think it will be important to get a good rhythm in the corners and there will be some challenging areas, but I like that. I’ll have the new diffuser in Japan so that will help me. We will have to wait until Friday to see where we are and go from there, but I’m looking forward to another good weekend and bringing some more points home for the team.
