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2006 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GP  

• BEFORE RACE: HONDA & TOYOTA'S HOME RACE: Shuhei Nakamoto, Honda Senior Technical Director: "The Honda Racing F1 Team heads home to Japan in good heart. This will be our team's second home race of the season and the support of the Japanese fans makes it a place we always look forward to visiting. It would be great to win at Suzuka and sing the national anthem with the fans in the grandstand!"

RENAULT RACE REPORT- ALONSO 1ST, FISICHELLA 3RD   (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Renault F1 Team took its second double podium finish in seven days during this afternoon's Japanese Grand Prix, the last to be held at the magnificent Suzuka circuit in the immediate future.
• In the space of that week, fortune's wheel has turned full circle: Fernando Alonso's victory today, and Giancarlo Fisichella's strong drive to third place from sixth on the grid, put the Renault F1 Team back atop both world championships -- Fernando Alonso now has a ten point lead in the drivers' chase, while Renault leads Ferrari by nine points in the Constructors' title.
• As predicted, the world championship battle will go down to a thrilling deciding race in Brazil. In the intervening fortnight, the team will continue to work flat out to ensure it can race strongly and aggressively at Interlagos. As the past week has shown, Formula 1 always has the potential to surprise -- and nobody can take anything for granted...
• Fernando Alonso, Winner: "This win is a surprise for us all, a beautiful surprise. After qualifying, Ferrari seemed to be a long way in front, but as soon as we started racing today, I could feel that the car was well-balanced, and that we had the same speed as Ferrari. I took a risk to pass Jarno at the start, because it was the only chance, and then later in the stint I could see Ralf was having problems and I got a run on him into turn 1."
• "After the second stops, I still thought I could win, because the gap to Michael was only five seconds, so why not? Then I saw the smoke coming into turn 8, and I was watching the asphalt for oil. I thought it was a Spyker in front of me, and only when I went past did I realise it was Michael. After that, we turned the engine down, and just took things carefully to the finish."
• "This win means a lot to the Renault team, and we have deserved it, and been waiting for it, ever since Hungary. The guys at the track, at the factories in Viry and Enstone, and at Michelin, have never given up all season. Now we feel confident for Brazil -- but we are taking nothing for granted. The races are long, and you have to get everything right to make sure you finish in front. We have a good situation for the championship, but we will be racing the same way at Interlagos, to win."
• Giancarlo Fisichella, 3rd position: "This was a great result for me, for Fernando and for the whole team. But psychologically, this has been a hard weekend for me. My best friend ever Tonino (Visciani) died last Thursday, and it hasn't been easy for me. I just want to dedicate this podium to him, and to say 'ciao'."
• "In terms of the race, the car was not bad and we had a good strategy, because I was able to pass the Toyotas at the stops. The Michelin tyres worked perfectly as well, and we had the pace all the way through the race. Now, we need to go to Brazil and be aggressive. The team is determined to win the constructors' championship, and I want to make sure I get third in the drivers' championship. So we will be aggressive, be focused, and try to win.
• Flavio Briatore, Managing Director: "I want to say thank you to our team for this result. We have had some difficult weeks, losing races we should have won, but we stayed together, stayed close and stayed focused. This is a success for everybody to enjoy. Fernando did an incredible job, Fisico was perfect and made his strategy work for him, and the pit-stops were faultless. We will enjoy our victory this evening, but we haven't finished the job yet. That will be our sole focus for Brazil."
• Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: "This 2006 world championship is building up to be even more exciting than anybody had imagined! I am sure that last week in China, on Saturday evening, Ferrari were wondering how ever they could win. A similar thing was true of our team yesterday. But this season is throwing up surprises week after week, and we now go to Brazil with a statistically improved situation and, more importantly, the full belief we can win again."
• "Fernando and Giancarlo managed their races perfectly today, and the Michelin tyres came good at the right time. We said yesterday that qualifying was only a means to an end and, when it counted in this afternoon's race, the tyres were perfect. This is not just a win for 80 people here at the track, but 800 in Enstone and Viry -- and for Michelin's employees as well in Clermont-Ferrand. Everybody has worked incredibly hard over the past months, and it only makes this win all the sweeter."

FERRARI RACE REPORT- M SCHUMACHER DNF, MASSA 2ND   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Jean Todt: "A feeling of huge disappointment today. We had within our grasp the possibility of turning up in Brazil with everything lined up to win both championships, having had Michael leading and Felipe third for around half the race. However, the situation was completely turned on its head and compromised our position. We are well aware that the basis of all success in Formula 1 is reliability and today we were lacking in that respect and hence we have paid a very high price."
• "The drivers and the team did a very good job, as did Bridgestone. We must congratulate our closest rivals who have now staked a claim on both Championships. There is one race to go which will carry a special symbolism as it will be Michael's last one. As we have done for years now, we will put all our heart and soul into getting the best possible result. Today, however, we have a really bitter taste in our mouths."
• Felipe Massa: "What happened to Michael when he was leading is a great shame. I also had a problem in the first stint, with a puncture in my right rear wheel, which had led to a slow but gradual loss of air. As a precaution, the team brought me in for my pit stop three laps earlier than planned. I went out on track behind a slower car and that cost me my chances of staying ahead of Alonso and, as things turned out, of winning the race. We can still win the Constructors' title, even if we know it is very difficult. For my home race in Brazil, I will give it my all to achieve that."
• Michael Schumacher: "We are a great team. Our guys are the best and I have a great affection for everyone at Ferrari and am always more than satisfied in the way we work. Incidents like today's can happen and they are part of racing. You win together but you also lose together. Today we did our best, I was leading the race and then my engine broke. That's the simplest way to sum it up. That is Formula 1."
• "We can be proud of what we have achieved since Canada: we were twenty five points behind and no one could have thought we would be back in the fight for the championship, but we did it. Now we are nine points behind in the Constructors' classification and we will do all we can to win this title in Brazil. As for the Drivers,' it is lost. I don't want to head off for a race, hoping that my rival has to retire. That is not the way in which I want to win the title."
• Ross Brawn: "We are disappointed, very disappointed. It was a very hard race, but Michael was controlling the situation until his engine problem from which there was no escape. A puncture in the first part of the race compromised Felipe's chances of staying ahead of Alonso, as we had to bring him in early as a precaution, thus altering his strategy."
• "The weekend had got off in the most promising way but finished in bitter disappointment for us. It's true that our chances of final victory are very slim, but there is still one race to go and we will do our utmost to end this year in the best way possible."

HONDA RACE REPORT- BUTTON 4TH, BARRICHELLO 12   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Jenson Button ended the Japanese Grand Prix in a strong 4th position today, securing five points in the Honda Racing F1 Team's home race in front of a sell-out crowd at Suzuka.
• By contrast, team-mate Rubens Barrichello's race got off to a frustrating start after he damaged his front wing in the opening lap melee. He was forced to pit for a new nose and the unscheduled stop left him fighting his way through the backmarkers for the early part of the race. During the next two stints Rubens was able to show his pace and he went on to take the chequered flag in 12th place.
• This result continues the team's run of consecutive points finishes with Jenson scoring his sixth in succession. Only Michael Schumacher has scored more points than Jenson since Hockenheim.
• Jenson Button: "I'm reasonably pleased with 4th place here today. We had a solid race and I think we did the best job possible given the fight going on for the Championship. We started a little better and I overtook a Renault off the line. The tyres came good and we were able to get past the Toyotas. Again, the team did an amazing job in the pitstops; we've been right up there since Hockenheim."
• "We just haven't quite got enough to beat the two Championship contenders right now, but we will get there, trust me! I'm very sad that we won't be coming back to Suzuka next season because this feels like a home Grand Prix for me. For now though, it's nice to get another 4th place and pick up five more points for myself and the team."
• Rubens Barrichello: "It was very unfortunate that I had another coming together with Heidfeld. He closed the door really fast and I had nowhere else to go so I locked wheels and tapped him. Sadly, I damaged the front wing. After that I was very fast but this is Suzuka where it's very difficult to overtake. A disappointing result for me in front of our home crowd but I still have my own home race in Brazil to look forward to and hopefully we can do better there and end the season on a high."
• Gil de Ferran, Sporting Director: "Jenson made a good start and gained one position before the first corner. Subsequently, when we saw some of our competitors stop early, we fuelled Jenson relatively long in the middle stint to beat them on both speed and strategy, which was very satisfying. Jenson drove a customary hard-charging and faultless race and once again extracted the best from the car. Unfortunately, Rubens damaged his front wing in the first corner and was playing catch-up from then on."
• "We leave Suzuka happy to be in the points once again but also sad that we will not be returning next season to a track that has brought so much joy and many exciting moments over the years. Sadly, we have just one more stop before the end of the season. We have enjoyed the challenge so much this year that I wish we could just keep going."

2006 QUALIFYING

FERRARI QUALIFYING REPORT- M SCHUMACHER 2ND, MASSA 1ST   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Sixth pole of the season for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, following on from those in Sakhir, Imola, Indianapolis, Magny-Cours and Istanbul, the second for Felipe Massa. For the fifth time this season, both Ferraris line up on the front row of the grid. This is pole number 185 in Ferrari's history, the ninth at this track.
• Jean Todt: "A great all-red front row, which comes at a crucial moment in the season. Felipe secured a really good pole position on a track which highlights driver talent. Bridgestone has brought excellent tyres here and it is not a fluke that the top four cars on the grid are all on the Japanese rubber. We know how important tyre performance will be in determining the final result and today it was clear that the overall package is in excellent shape."
• "Now the biggest step of the weekend awaits and by that I mean the 53 race laps. The key factors will be the same as ever: apart from the aforementioned tyres, they are the work of the team and drivers, reliability and strategy. We will have to be perfect in every area to achieve our objectives."
• Felipe Massa: "This is a fantastic result. To be on pole position at a track that I like very much and where the driver counts for a lot is very special. I managed to do a great lap, with no mistakes and starting from the front is definitely important for the race. I am also happy that we have both Ferraris on the front row and that our main rivals are two rows behind us and I hope we can also finish the race with them the same number of places behind us."
• "I am looking forward to the race when I hope we can continue to score as many points as possible for both championships and for me to try and reach my personal target of finishing third in the Drivers' classification. The Bridgestone tyres and the car behaved very well and we can expect this to also be the case tomorrow afternoon."
• Michael Schumacher:"Two Ferraris on the front row is the perfect position for the start, given that our main rivals are on row three. There was a lot of wind and even when trying to push hard, there is always the thought that you mustn't go over the limit, also partly because we know we have a very competitive package."
• "On the dry, our performance has proved to be very consistent, thanks also to the valuable support of our friends at Bridgestone and that means we can be confident about tomorrow's race. I can't wait to see if all these theories can come true tomorrow."
• "I am happy with the position from which I am starting, especially as Felipe is alongside me, after doing an extraordinary job today. Driving on this track in the way the performance of our car has allowed us to do is really marvellous. I am having so much fun, especially in the Esses which are a part of the track I am particularly keen on."
• Ross Brawn: "We are very happy with this qualifying: the cars proved to be well balanced, the drivers performed impeccably and the Bridgestone tyres were excellent. Of course, we now have to tackle the most important part of the Grand Prix weekend, namely the race, but I can confidently say that we have all the necessary ingredients to do well. We had a clear idea as to which of the two types of tyre we wanted to use and the choice seems to have been the right one."

TOYOTA QUALIFYING REPORT - R SCHUMACHER 3RD, TRULLI 4TH   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Panasonic Toyota Racing is celebrating its best qualifying performance of the season after Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli secured the second row of the grid for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. Following a difficult qualifying session last week in China, today was a much better day for Toyota. Both Ralf and Jarno showed quick pace in all three of the sessions and they easily made it into Q3 before setting the 3rd and 4th fastest times respectively.
• After yesterday's wet practice sessions, the weather improved around the Suzuka circuit today. The sun came out for the morning practice session and Q1 and Q2 took place in similar sunshine on a dry track. The conditions were still not ideal because there were strong gusting winds and there was a shower at one end of the circuit during Q3. The eventual grid positions now give Toyota the best possible chance for a strong result in tomorrow's race. Now the whole team will push as hard as possible to make sure that there is something for its employees and fans to remember.
• Ralf Schumacher: "That was a great achievement for the whole team. After the last two races we needed that to show where we really are in terms of pace. We knew from the previous races that we were always there from a lap time point of view and we needed to show that. Today, with the clear help of our Bridgestone tyres, we were able to show that our car is a good car."
• "We've obviously struggled for results in the second half of this season, but our car has improved a lot. I've always said that if we had a good weekend and the tyre is right then we could be heading for the podium. This is my favourite track and while we will obviously have a hard race with the two Ferraris ahead of us, we will do our best to catch them. It is important to qualify up the grid at Suzuka and now that we have achieved that we will push as hard as we can."
• Jarno Trulli: "It's great to be so far up the grid. We've been competitive all weekend, especially today, and we were confident that we could have a result like this. It was very windy out there but the car balance still felt good throughout the afternoon and we were very competitive. I was very quick throughout qualifying and I could have made it into the top three, but I missed out by a few hundredths. Still we have a very strong car for the race tomorrow so I'm happy both for myself and for the team."
• "Obviously we are keen to record a strong result at our home race so we will fight from the start to finish. We appreciate the extra support that we receive at this race from our local fans and employees so we will hope to reward them with something to cheer."
• Pascal Vasselon - Senior General Manager Chassis:"This is our best qualifying result of the season and a very different story compared to China. But we knew what went wrong in Shanghai so we were always confident that we were able to put in a performance like this. We saw early in the weekend that our car was well balanced and fast around one lap in all types of conditions. So this is confirmation of the potential of our car because you need a good car to be fast around Suzuka."
• "You also need good drivers as both Ralf and Jarno are. They did well so it has been a fine day for us. We were very strong in Q1 and Q2 and we preserved a set of tyres so we could have two outings on new tyres in Q3, which is definitely the best tactic. The wind was not a problem for the drivers, which is another good indication of the car's quality."
• "We must also give a big thank you to Bridgestone because the tyres are working very well, both in terms of the first lap and consistency. As for the race, we are on the optimal strategy according to our calculations, so we are in good shape and looking forward to tomorrow."

RENAULT QUALIFYING REPORT - ALONSO 5TH, FISICHELLA 6TH  (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Renault F1 Team qualified fifth and sixth for tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix this afternoon in Suzuka, with World Champion Fernando Alonso ahead of his team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella.
• The two drivers qualified within three tenths of each other, a small margin that demonstrates both drivers got the maximum from the R26 package on this demanding circuit.
• However, the two Renaults will line up behind both Ferraris , their direct championship rivals , and the Toyota team on row two. While this position translates a substantial deficit in first lap performance, the team hopes that the consistency of the Michelin tyres will pay in tomorrow's race, and allow them to fight on equal terms as race strategies play out.
• Fernando Alonso, 5th position: "In the context of the characteristics we have seen today, this result is OK I think. We more or less knew that qualifying would be difficult for us after this morning's practice session, because we didn't have enough pace on one lap. We have done the maximum though, and I am the leading Michelin car , with Fisi right alongside me."
• "The car feels good to drive round here, so now we have to believe in the Michelin tyres and their consistency in the race. Of course, the position is not ideal for the championship fight , but we have seen big turnarounds already this season. There is nothing to say it cannot happen again tomorrow."
• Giancarlo Fisichella, 6th position: "We did all we could this afternoon in qualifying, we just needed more pace on one lap. The grip levels were not fantastic, which meant that the balance was a bit inconsistent , some high-speed understeer and nervousness in slow corners."
• "But as the grip improves, that will calm down, and we know that the R26 will be consistent for the whole race distance. The main thing is that in spite of a difficult day, we are not giving up. Fernando and I will be pushing really hard tomorrow.
• Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: "We often say that relative performance is what matters in Formula 1, and that has surprised us today. While we can draw some consolation from being the fastest Michelin runners, that thought does not help in the battle with our main rivals Ferrari. In yesterday's low temperatures we looked competitive, and things have become more difficult as track temperatures rose some ten degrees today."
• "Certainly the grid suggests that these higher temperatures were not perfectly suited to our tyre over one lap, but it should be borne in mind that qualifying is just a means to an end. The key to success in tomorrow's race will be finding the right balance between aggression and damage limitation, and we are hopeful that our tyres will bring us the consistency we need in the race.
• Denis Chevrier, Head of Trackside Engine Operations:
• "The only real source of satisfaction after today's qualifying session is to see our drivers line up alongside each other, as the leading Michelin contenders. The performance of some of our usual rivals showed that this was not an easy qualifying session to come through unscathed, and we have certainly achieved our realistic maximum today in these conditions: we thought we would end up on the third row, and we have achieved just that."
• "From a championship point of view, the Toyotas on row two make our life harder , and mean that the start will one of the key moments in tomorrow's race. Now, the important thing will be to not write off the Grand Prix before it has been run. This season has already shown us how quickly the balance of power can swing from one day to the next over a Grand Prix weekend, and we will have to hope that our deficit in first lap performance is transformed into an advantage in terms of consistency."
• "On the engine side, both RS26 V8 engines have performed faultlessly, and they will provide our drivers with the usual blend of driveability and performance throughout the race."

FERRARI FRIDAY REPORT   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Jean Todt: "This Friday was affected by changing weather conditions that meant changing track conditions too. Given the forecast we had been given, we chose to run practically only when the track was dry. Despite this limitation we gathered important data to prepare as well as possible for the penultimate round of the season, which takes on a special importance, given the situation in the championships."
• "We must concentrate on ourselves and our work load, trying to fend off the inevitable pressure that can develop in these situations. Along with Bridgestone, we will be trying to make the most of the package we have at our disposal."
• Felipe Massa: "Overall, a positive day. We didn't run much because of the rain, but towards the end of the second session, once the track conditions allowed it we did a series of laps on dry tyres. I'd say the data we have seen looks quite promising. I am reasonably happy with the balance of the car and the behaviour of the Bridgestone tyres in these conditions. All this means I reckon we can be competitive in both qualifying and the race."
• Michael Schumacher: "All we have got is a flavour of the situation and so it is hard to judge. The car and the Bridgestone tyres seem to be behaving well and there were no problems of any sort. The weather forecast is supposed to steadily improve and that can only be good for us."
• "The team is in very good spirits, concentrating on our work and everything seems to be going well. As for qualifying, I think we will be fighting Renault for the top places on the grid. The race? I hope it goes well for us!"
• Ross Brawn: "The weather affected the day with the track only drying in the final moments of the second hour of free practice. But we still picked up enough data for an initial indication of the handling of our tyres and the Bridgestone tyres and first indications are reasonably positive."
• "bviously, we were not able to complete our entire work load that we usually get through on a Friday, but we have enough data on which to base our work for the rest of the weekend. We were and we remain confident about our level of competitiveness."

RENAULT FRIDAY REPORT   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Weak sunshine broke through the clouds during the final ten minutes of this afternoon's second practice session in Suzuka, allowing the Renault F1 Team to complete its only meaningful running of this opening day of practice.
• After completing just a single installation lap each during the morning session, Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella completed five and eight laps respectively this afternoon in drying conditions at Suzuka. Both drivers were able to run with dry tyres, Fisichella finishing fastest and Alonso fourth, while Fisichella also completed a single run earlier in the afternoon on intermediate tyres , also topping the times at that point of the session.
• As always, though, the conclusions from Friday practice are incomplete , and even more so after such a disrupted day. The competitive times of the two cars seem to be an initial confirmation of the Renault's hoped-for speed at this challenging track, but no more than that.
• Giancarlo Fisichella: "The conditions meant we didn't do many laps today, but I think we are in good shape. The car felt good to drive on the intermediate tyres, and while we had a bit too much understeer on dry tyres at the end, the times were still competitive. It was a good feeling to be quickest on the track each time I ran today, so I am feeling very confident for the rest of the weekend.
• Fernando Alonso: "On the track, this was a normal Friday for me. We did very little running because of the conditions, but the R26 felt good, although there was a bit too much understeer everywhere. Off the track, I was surprised by the strong reaction to what I said yesterday in the press conference. I expressed very clearly that these were only my personal feelings, and that I completely understand and accept the team's decisions."
• "Last night, I explained that to the team and to Fisi, and there is no problem. Every single person at Renault is fighting to the maximum to win the championship. I don't know what people see from the outside, but within the team, we have a fantastic atmosphere right now. And we are determined to come out on top."
• Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: "Our programmes today were essentially condensed to ten minutes at the end of the second practice session. In that time, all we could really get were first impressions of how the car is performing. Those impressions were favourable, but we cannot deduce much more at this stage."
• Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations: "For the engine team, the drying conditions we saw today still give us the chance to fine-tune the parameters we need to optimise for this weekend. Both engines performed normally, without any problems, and while you can never complete your work when track conditions are changing all the time, we have been able to begin our programmes."
• "Shanghai was a comparatively easy race for the engines owing to the wet conditions, and it meant that both our drivers only used around 80% of their allocated performance potential during the weekend. As a result, they come here with 120% of that potential available, and we full intend to put it to good use tomorrow and during the Grand Prix on Sunday."

McLAREN FRIDAY REPORT   (TOP OF PAGE)

• Team McLaren Mercedes drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Kimi Raikkonen set the eighth and 10th fastest times respectively in today's second free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix. Pedro set a time of 1:35.064 and completed a total of six laps whilst Kimi's best time was 1:35.367 over five laps.
• Both of today's sessions were run in wet conditions with rain falling intermittently throughout the morning, as a result both drivers only completed an installation lap in the first session and set no times. Running in the afternoon was also limited with the track only improving enough to use dry tyres towards the end of the session.
• Pdro de la Rosa: "Due to the wet weather conditions we took the decision to conserve the engine and tyres, so we limited our running to only six laps at the end of the second practice session. Despite this the team worked very efficiently to gain good tyre comparison data. We expect weather conditions to improve tomorrow."
• Kimi Raikkonen: "A first practice day where nothing really happened due to the wet weather conditions. There was no use in doing anything other than some set-up and tyre evaluation work as the track conditions were not ideal for detailed results. Tomorrow's free practice will hopefully give us a better opportunity to prepare for qualifying and the race."
• Ron Dennis: "An uneventful practice session where we restricted our programme to a handful of laps in the second session when weather and track conditions improved."
• Norbert Haug: "Kimi and Pedro only went out eight minutes from the end of this afternoon's session to start working on their basic set-up."

2006 RACE PREVIEW
BMW  BRIDGESTONE  FERRARI  HONDA  McLAREN  MICHELIN  RENAULT  SHELL  TOYOTA  WILLIAMS

MICHELIN PREVIEW   (TOP OF PAGE)

• A FOND FAREWELL?
• This weekend Formula One completes the second part of its Asian double-header, with the 22nd Japanese Grand Prix. The race is being held at Suzuka for the 20th time - and it might also be the last for the foreseeable future. In 2007 the Japanese GP is poised to switch to the Fuji Motor Speedway, a significantly redeveloped version of the venue that hosted the event in 1976 and 1977,
• Built in 1962, as a test track for Honda, Suzuka has the unique distinctions - in F1 terms, at least - of a figure-of-eight configuration and an adjacent funfair, the latter of which was built to entertain the families of workers at a nearby Honda plant. It staged its first world championship grand prix in 1987, when Japan returned to the schedule after a decade's absence, and has since been ever-present. It has staged a number of memorable championship showdowns and its challenging high-speed sweeps make it one of the drivers' favourites.
• Michelin did not participate in the first 16 Japanese Grands Prix - the company made its world championship debut in 1977, but its sole partner Renault did not travel to Fuji - and only recorded its maiden Suzuka F1 success in 2005. The circumstances could hardly have been more spectacular: Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren Mercedes) charged through from the back of the field and passed Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault) at the start of the final lap. It proved to be the campaign's most memorable race and Michelin drivers filled the top six places.
• Michelin's view
  Nick Shorrock, Formula One director, Michelin: "Suzuka is one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar. In terms of severity it is quite similar to Silverstone - and that is where we tested to prepare tyres for this weekend's race. "Suzuka's figure-of-eight configuration might even things out in terms of wear rates, but it still puts significant mechanical forces through the tyres."
• "Following the Silverstone test, our six partners selected a range of compounds and we will have 10 different products available. A small section of the famous Suzuka crossover has been resurfaced since we last raced there, but I don't expect this to make a great deal of difference. The fact that we are using V8 engines, however, has allowed us to reduce the tyre rigidity by up to one step."
• "Weather conditions can be very variable in Japan at this time of year, so we had to think very carefully about the possible extremes of temperature in which the tyres might have to perform. We've taken that into account and our excellent performance in China last weekend puts us in a very positive frame of mind for the season's final two grands prix."
• Team perspective
  Willy Rampf, technical director, BMW Sauber: "Suzuka is a very demanding track for tyres because it has so many fast corners. Degradation is traditionally high, so we use a relatively hard compound. On Friday graining is always an issue, but this problem naturally fades away as more rubber is laid on the track."
• "It's always very difficult to predict the Japanese weather - you can have anything from a monsoon to 40-degree track temperatures. This presents an additional challenge when it comes to finalising our tyre choice. We are very happy with Michelin's products, though, and we're confident that we can achieve another strong result."

BRIDGESTONE PREVIEW   (TOP OF PAGE)

• After Sunday's thrilling Chinese Grand Prix victory by Michael Schumacher, which saw the seven time world champion draw ahead in the drivers' championship for the first time this season, Bridgestone Motorsport heads straight to its home turf at Suzuka, Japan in preparation for one of the most challenging and pivotal races of the year.
• The 5.807km Suzuka track is very much a circuit where tyre choice and performance will play a key role in the success of the Bridgestone teams this weekend and, like Shanghai last weekend, the weather can also be changeable. It is a key event for Bridgestone, however, and the company is focussing on making sure its teams can rely on its products.
• For the home teams, Panasonic Toyota Racing and Super Aguri F1 in particular, and Scuderia Ferrari, who are chasing two championship titles, good performances this weekend are vital.
• Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Motorsport: "The Japanese Grand Prix has a special significance as it is not only Bridgestone's home race but also a home event for two of our teams: Panasonic Toyota Racing and the Super Aguri F1 Team; and for two of our drivers: Takuma Sato and Sakon Yamamoto. There will therefore be a very enthusiastic crowd as well as approximately 1,500 Bridgestone employees and guests in the grandstands so we hope to give them a great show and hopefully, a win. We will be pushing very hard to enable our teams to reach their targets this weekend."
• Tyres for Suzuka - 5.807km
• The 2006 tyre regulations permit each driver seven sets of dry weather tyres, four sets of wet weather tyres and three sets of extreme wet weather tyres. Approximately 1,200 Bridgestone Potenza Formula One tyres will be sent over land from the Technical Centre in Kodaira City, Tokyo, to the Suzuka Circuit.
• Hisao Suganuma, Bridgestone Motorsport Technical Manager:
• "Suzuka is a great circuit and very challenging from a driver's point of view. It has a unique figure of eight configuration, combining several high speed corners and a tight hairpin. All areas of the tyres' performance are tested in Suzuka on all four corners of the car. The track also demands good traction and high levels of grip. The S Curves in sector one are particularly important for setting good lap times as the drivers require good change of direction performance from the tyres."
• "Another factor to take into consideration is Suzuka's track surface which is quite rough and abrasive. This dictates the need for a tyre with good wear durability and a mid-ranging compound selection. Our home Grand Prix is always very special as it is a chance to run in front of our fellow colleagues from Bridgestone but, like everyone else, we only run here once a year with F1 cars so we must prepare carefully for this race. Our tests in Silverstone and Mugello prior to the last grand prix were particularly helpful for simulating conditions at Suzuka and we have every intention of finishing this season on a high.

RENAULT PREVIEW  (TOP OF PAGE)

McLAREN PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Team McLaren Mercedes team travels to Suzuka this week for the penultimate race of the 2006 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the Japanese Grand Prix.
• The legendary Suzuka circuit is famous for its unique figure-of-eight configuration, the only one on the Formula 1 calendar and it has developed a reputation for close racing. The track was constructed as a test track in the early sixties.
• The inaugural Japanese event took place in 1976 at Mount Fuji, with Mario Andretti taking the winners spoils in a race that also saw McLaren driver James Hunt secure the Drivers' World Championship. The following year saw James Hunt take victory at the Fuji track.
• After these two races, a 10-year absence followed before the Grand Prix returned to the calendar in 1987 at Suzuka, which is located between Osaka and Nagoya, south-west of Tokyo. The event has historically been located towards the end of the season, and consequently has been the scene of numerous championship deciders. These include when Team McLaren Mercedes won the Drivers' Championships in 1998 and 1999 with Mika Häkkinen and clinched the Constructors' title in 1998.
• In Japan, DaimlerChrysler AG hold a 65 percent share of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC). In the first six months of 2006, the Mercedes Car Group sold 26,362 cars in Japan, which means an increase of 13.6 percent compared to the same period in 2005. During this time, the total car market in Japan decreased by 5.5 percent.
• Kimi Raikkonen: "We demonstrated the competitiveness of the MP4-21 over the weekend of the Chinese Grand Prix and it was clear that the speed was there, despite my retirement from second place which was disappointing for everyone. This level should carry through to the Grand Prix in Japan at Suzuka, which is really great to drive, and there is no reason why we should not be competing at the front again."
• "There are for sure many different characteristics across the circuit and you get to really push the limits all the way round, which is fantastic. The first corner is key, you have to get it just right with the combination of braking and throttle application otherwise you will lose a lot of time in that corner but also it will affect your line into the esses complex. At turn one you have the high speed apex, then the low speed apex, and if you get the first bit wrong your line into the second section and of course the esses is wrong. You can make so much time up in this section of the track; it is great to have such a challenging section so early in the lap!"
• "The circuit is also pretty fast, and to get the time there is one line that you have to stick to. Probably the best place to overtake is the final chicane, but as last year showed, there are other options. Suzuka is very light on brakes, even though there are a lot of corners, most of them are so quick you are either flat out, lifting a bit or using just a dab of the brakes, there are no massive braking zones."
• Pedro de la Rosa: "Despite a difficult race in China, where I finished fifth in the wet conditions, the pace of the car felt really good all weekend and I see no reason why this package will not continue to be strong in Japan. Suzuka is without a doubt my favourite track we race on in Formula 1 and it is truly unique. I competed in Japan for three years before I moved to Formula 1 and I have some great memories that I am hoping to add to this weekend!"
• "Japan is renowned for being hard on tyres, degradation levels are severe and this is why you tend to see more three stop races, because tyre performance tends to drop off more than somewhere like Canada. It is an abrasive circuit and has massive cornering demands as they are all so fast. We had a major focus on our tyre programme with Michelin at the recent Silverstone test, where we completed some positive development and arrive in Suzuka with competitive compounds to select from."
• "The fast corners that affect tyre wear are the highlight of this track, 130R is awesome to drive, it has been modified in recent years and is not quite what it was, but it is still great fun. The atmosphere is great at this track, the fans are always so excited, which is great to see, and I hope we can put on a good show for them this weekend."
• Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, Team McLaren Mercedes: "Going into the Japanese Grand Prix we are looking to translate the competitiveness of the package we had in China into the results that eluded us this weekend. The team remained in the Far East following China to travel directly to Suzuka for the Japanese race this weekend."
• "Although traditionally the track is not great for overtaking, last year we saw some of the best passing maneuvers in the recent history of the sport. Kimi's pass on Fisichella to take victory on the final lap, and of course Fernando Alonso's move to take Schumacher through the 130R were impressive to say the least and we are all looking forward to what we hope will be a similarly entertaining Grand Prix.
• "The track characteristics are fairly low grip, and you need a good level of downforce to be quick. Suzuka, which is the longest and third fastest track we race on, is very demanding and known as a car breaker."
• Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "Everybody in the team has good memories of Suzuka; with Kimi's victory last year after he started 17th on the grid and the thrilling World Championship deciders in 1998 and 1999, which both took place in the final at Suzuka."
• "The track layout is one of the most demanding in Formula One; the weather often adds more challenges and despite this , or even therefore , Suzuka is very popular among drivers and teams. Once a year, the entire Formula One staff lives completely different from what we experienced last weekend in China , everything is very close together, in the narrow paddock as well as in the adjacent Circuit Hotel."
• "From a sporting perspective, the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the biggest challenges of all 18 races this year. The track layout offers everything from the ultra fast corner 130R to a slow hairpin. We aim for a result like last year; however, we want to start further up the grid this time."

BMW PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Asian tour continues, but this coming Sunday, 8th October, might well see the final event for the foreseeable future at one of the greatest Formula One circuits on the calendar. The BMW Sauber F1 Team looks forward to the Suzuka International Racing Course, where the 17th of 18 rounds in the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship will be held.
• Nick Heidfeld: "I just can't wait to get to Suzuka. It's my favourite of all F1 circuits. This time it will be a slightly wistful occasion as we may not be racing there again after 2006 if Fuji joins the racing calendar as the venue for the Japanese GP. But I'm hoping there might be two races in Japan. It would be sad to say farewell to this challenging circuit."
• "Its main attraction is the so-called "esses" - a series of high-speed turns behind the pits. There are five consecutive corners which flow beautifully and are tremendous fun if you manage to get them right. But if you mess up the first turn, it will pursue you right through to the last one in the sequence."
• "I'll be flying to Tokyo on the Monday after the Chinese Grand Prix to visit a friend. Tokyo is an impressive place and I'm already looking forward to enjoying some Japanese food. The first thing we think of is sushi, which is delicious, but there's a lot more to Japanese cuisine than that."
• Robert Kubica: "I've only been to Japan once - back in 2000 for the Karting World Championship in Motegi. So I don't actually know the Suzuka track, although it seems very impressive - I took a look at it on a computer game. It looks very challenging and it must be fun to drive there, so I'm really looking forward to the Japanese GP. Unfortunately I've never had the opportunity to drive another car there, but I'm sure driving a Formula One will be a tremendous experience."
• Sebastian Vettel: "After China, we Europeans have our next exotic country lined up. The language and lifestyle are a different world. I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to go to Japan with the team. For me it is also the country of inventors of all kinds of electronic gadgets. I've only driven the track on a video game so far and I believe Suzuka is an impressive circuit, especially the esses. It will be difficult to find the ideal line and the braking points at the start. I imagine the circuit to be as great as Spa, if not better."
• Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
• "The future of Suzuka as a GP venue is uncertain as 2006 might be our last visit to this track. It would be a shame, because this circuit is one of the most challenging for the drivers who, along with the fans, like the circuit a lot."
• "It also gives the engine engineers a mountain to climb as the ultra-fast 130R turn puts a huge load on the oil circulation. We have measured lateral acceleration of up to 6g there and have to make sure the oil supply is not interrupted under such loads. For the BMW Group the Japanese Grand Prix means a visit to another important Asian market within eight days."
• Willy Rampf, Technical Director: "A well-balanced car is an absolute must in Suzuka. The esses in the first sector are particularly crucial. The car has to be fast and able to change direction with great precision. Any handling problems will cost time. The numerous turns at Suzuka take their toll on the tyres, which can affect the race strategy. The concentration of corners is among the highest in the whole season, and the restricted run-off areas are another feature: minor mistakes can easily put you out of the race. Suzuka is a true drivers' track."

SHELL PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

HONDA PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• This week, the Honda Racing F1 Team heads straight from Shanghai across the East China Sea to Japan for the penultimate race of the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship, Round 17 - the Japanese Grand Prix, held at the Honda-owned Suzuka circuit on Honshu Island.
• The team is certainly pumped up in preparation for its home race after achieving its fourth successive double points finish in China last weekend when Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello ended the race in fourth and sixth positions respectively. Another eight points in the bag further reduces the gap to third place in the Constructors' Championship, whilst the drivers lie sixth and seventh in the Drivers' Championship.
• Built by Honda as a test circuit in 1962, Suzuka is a legendary drivers' circuit which has managed to retain much of its challenging layout, despite recent modifications. This year's Japanese Grand Prix will mark the twentieth race that Suzuka has hosted since Formula One first came to the circuit in 1987.
• Rubens Barrichello: "I'm really looking forward to going to Suzuka this year as a member of the Honda family for the first time. The Japanese fans are always so enthusiastic and create such a great atmosphere over the race weekend that it will be exciting to hear them cheering for me. Suzuka holds some special memories for me as I won there from pole position in 2003."
• "The circuit itself is challenging because of the corners and combinations of the track layout and you need a good balance, especially for turns one and two. Our performance has been improving consistently over the last few races, and we had a good final test in Jerez, so I am expecting us to be competitive at Suzuka."
• Jenson Button: "Suzuka is a very special weekend for the whole Honda Racing F1 Team because it is Honda's home circuit and one of our two home races of the year. I've had some great support there in the past, especially since I've been involved with Honda, and I'm excited about going back this year."
• "It's a very tough circuit and a real challenge for the drivers mentally and physically. You have to be precise, very consistent and it is really important to get the set-up of the car right. Suzuka is definitely one of my favourite circuits and I hope that we can put in a strong performance there for all our Honda fans."
• Gil de Ferran, Sporting Director: "We are delighted to return to Japan and race in front of our home crowd and the many fans and friends of Honda. Suzuka itself is one of the classic racing circuits in the world and a great driver's track. The layout has a little bit of everything and some relatively short straights, which makes overtaking a challenge and places a premium on car handling. Fortunately, this is one of our fortes, particularly during the latter part of this season."
• "Both of our drivers enjoy the track and have gone very well in the past, Rubens having won there and Jenson having scored points in every single visit he has made. Last year, the venue gave us one of the most exciting races in recent F1 history. Hopefully this year will be no different and our team will be in the thick of the fight."
• Shuhei Nakamoto, Senior Technical Director: "The Honda Racing F1 Team heads home to Japan in good heart. This will be our team's second home race of the season and the support of the Japanese fans makes it a place we always look forward to visiting. It would be great to win at Suzuka and sing the national anthem with the fans in the grandstand!"
• "We will be introducing our upgraded Suzuka special engine, which will be the culmination of all our development work on the V8 unit. At our last test in Jerez, we also introduced a new aero package and further mechanical developments, which will be the baseline for the chassis set-up work at Suzuka."

WILLIAMS PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• Formula One stays in Asia for the second round of the last back-to-back of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix. The legendary Suzuka circuit is the venue, and is located on Japan's third largest island of Honshu, 50 kilometres from Nagoya. The penultimate race of the season will be the 20th event hosted at Suzuka, a mega park which not only boasts a race track, but also a theme park, hotels and restaurants.
• Constructed in 1962, Suzuka debuted on the calendar in 1987 and has been the stage for some of the most thrilling Championship showdowns in the sport's history. After the cars showed an improvement in performance over the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, the team is looking forward to the Japanese race, confident of taking the momentum forward and scoring some more points.
• Between the races
• With just three days between China and Japan, none of the team's drivers are on call for testing this week. However, Nico will be on duty on Tuesday with a PR day for RBS in Tokyo. It will be an off-track, but still in-car, event for Nico, who will be setting a time on a race simulator which guests will then try to beat. On his way to Japan, Alex will drop off in Korea on Wednesday for a Philips marketing commitment in Seoul. Mark, meanwhile, will be enjoying a few days' break in Shanghai before traveling to Suzuka.
• Making the car go faster
• September's Silverstone test afforded the team track time to test various aero modifications on the FW28 which were run in China and will remain on the car at Suzuka.
• Suzuka from a technical perspective
• Suzuka is widely regarded as one of the most technically challenging tracks of the season where success lies in the balance of the car. Each of the 3.6 mile laps includes an unforgiving combination of 16 turns, ranging from the slow speed, twisty Esses and Spoon corner at the start of the lap to the high speed 130R and Casio Triangle towards the end. With such a variation of turns, aero efficiency and car stability are crucial to allow the driver to achieve fluidity through the corners and record a quick lap time.
• Suzuka ranks among the top five fastest tracks on the calendar, one which requires high revs and sees a high average speed over one lap. As such, engine power and torque are key variables. The circuit's unique figure of 8 layout also presents a challenging series of directional changes which place heavy demands on both the left and right sides of the tyres. Combined with an abrasive track surface, the drivers and their engineers invariably select a mid- to hard compound to preserve their efficiency during the 53 lap race.
• Unlike the majority of Grand Prix destinations, Suzuka's notoriously unpredictable weather conditions can cause havoc and create lottery results in qualifying and the race. A track where mistakes are quickly punished, Suzuka equally rewards precision and balance and never fails to deliver a race to remember to one of Formula One's most enthusiastic audiences.
• Mark Webber: "We finished fourth at Suzuka last year and it was a good race for us. We were running very close to Fernando Alonso and only just missed out on a podium. The track really is spectacular, it's fantastic. Most people find the Japanese way of life very different to what they're used to and you either love it or you don't. The people, though, are always really friendly, very polite and they love to make a big effort."
• "The weather is very changeable in Japan at this time of year due to the season. There are often typhoons, so we always have to be a bit wary of that. Although it's a little north, it's also close to Australia as well which is nice for me, but I won't be making a visit home until the end of the season."
• Nico Rosberg: "I've already raced in Japan in 2000 at the Karting World Cup in Motegi. Well, actually, I started on the first row but then I had a puncture and my race was quickly over! Visiting Japan will be an interesting experience. I'll be there from Tuesday as I have some PR work to do in Tokyo before heading to Suzuka."
• "With regards the Suzuka track, it looks like it's a very good one so I am looking forward to driving there. Our car showed some improvements over the Chinese Grand Prix weekend and we hope we can carry on the momentum."
• Sam Michael, Technical Director, WilliamsF1: "Suzuka is one of the greatest circuits on the Formula One calendar, one that demands the drivers and engineers get everything right to secure a quick lap time. The track has everything, high speed corners, a chicane and a hairpin. Intense focus is always required through the initial Esses section, if you get the first corner wrong, the penalty grows through the whole sector."
• "As high speed stability is so important, the set-up on the car is usually compromised in the slow speed sections to ensure that the driver has the confidence to push hard in places like the Esses. Good braking performance is also a necessity for the hairpin and chicane. Suzuka has some great overtaking opportunities around the lap that always provide for an exciting race. The FW28 spec will be the same as in Shanghai and we are looking forward to scoring more points in the penultimate race of the season."
• Simon Corbyn, Head of F1 Race Engineering, Cosworth:
• "Mark's engine will carry over for its second event at Suzuka, while Nico will have what is potentially his last fresh engine installed. Cosworth are confident both in the performance and reliability of the CA2006 engine. Our objective of delivering the benchmark Formula One engine and engineering support to WilliamsF1 remains unchanged."

TOYOTA PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• With the 2006 Formula 1 season rapidly approaching its finale, Panasonic Toyota Racing will this weekend enjoy its home race, the Japanese Grand Prix. The penultimate event of the 18-race season will also be the last grand prix to be held at Suzuka before the venue switches to the Fuji International Speedway in 2007. So there will be plenty of reasons for Toyota to seek a good result on its home soil.
• But most of all the team will want to put on a show for the massed ranks of loyal local support - along with the employees and executives of Toyota. Following the difficulties faced in last weekend's wet weekend in China, the team's race drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli will be pushing hard for the best possible result to send everyone home happy.
• Ralf Schumacher: "It is now over ten years since I first drove a car around Suzuka. During my year racing in the Japanese F3000 championship I grew to learn the circuit very well and it is still my favourite track on the calendar. It has every type of corner and makes for an excellent driving challenge. There are many important sections on the track, notably the first sector up to and including the famous Esses."
• "Of course I will be sad to see Suzuka go from the calendar, but I'm also looking forward to racing at Toyota's home track at Fuji next season. For a racing driver it's always very enjoyable to race in Japan because the Japanese fans are very enthusiastic about motor sport so we've always been well received."
• "But the Japanese Grand Prix is an extra special event if you're a Toyota driver, as I found out when I secured pole position there last year. Hopefully this year we will be able to challenge near the front again and come away with a strong result in the race."
• Jarno Trulli: "The Japanese Grand Prix is obviously a very important event for everyone involved with Toyota because it is our home race and we will have so many people cheering us on. The Japanese fans are passionate about F1 and they give you huge support - especially if you're driving for a home team."
• "Japan is very different from Europe but I get on well with the Japanese and I have many Japanese friends dating back as far as my days in karting. I also have a big fan club in Japan and I look forward to meeting many of my fans this week. This will actually be my third Japanese Grand Prix as a Toyota driver because I made my debut for the team at Suzuka in 2004."
• "But the first time I visited the track was in 1990 for a go kart race. It's a very difficult circuit with a great mix of corners making it very enjoyable for drivers. We struggled in China but rest assured we will be pushing as hard as possible to give all the fans and employees something to cheer on Sunday."
• Pascal Vasselon - Senior General Manager Chassis:"At Toyota we push as hard as we can at every single F1 race because there is always pressure. But we have extra motivation for Suzuka, because we really want to reward all the Toyota fans and employees who will be there and give them memories to be proud of."
• "This will be the last Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka for now because the race is switching to the Fuji International Speedway next year. I'm sensitive to the history and legend of Suzuka, but I enjoy the challenge of discovering new circuits so I will look forward to racing at Fuji in 2007."
• "Suzuka is a driver's circuit which is demanding for high speed balance because you have a lot of medium and high speed changes of direction. Grip is always massively important, but in Suzuka you can compromise that to find balance. Handling is key and the car has to be predictable and driveable."
• "It's one of the lightest circuits on brakes but it's tough on tyres where we have to aim for the hard end of the range. In normal conditions Suzuka is a circuit which suits the characteristics of our car well so it's fair to say we are hoping for a strong race!"

(TOP OF PAGE)