"Along with
Silverstone, Suzuka is my favourite circuit on the calendar," noted the Brit, "I first raced at the track in 1996 in go-karts and then when I went back there in an F1 car in 2000 it was fantastic. I also really like Japan as a place, the culture is extremely different to what I am used to, but it is a place that I enjoy very much. The fans are great, they really get into the spirit of things, and there are so many of them, which is good to see.
"The first year I competed in an F1 car I finished fifth and then last year I was sixth so I am looking for an even better result this year. The characteristics of the circuit should suit our car and we have been working really hard to push the development forward, so I am optimistic for a good race especially after leading in
Indianapolis last week. It was great to be out in front and I know everyone in the team will push as hard as possible to score more Championship points in Suzuka, not least because it's the 'home' race for Honda and Bridgestone."
Team boss David Richards added: "The whole team was extremely disappointed following the
Indianapolis Grand Prix, a race which could have seen us achieve our best result to date. Our task of finishing in fifth place in the Constructors' Championship has been made harder following Sauber's result in the last race, but the team will continue to work hard and fight until the final chequered flag. Honda will also be pulling out all the stops for their home race and will be running its 'Suzuka Special' engine. We have shown what we are capable of and we are determined to finish the season in Japan in the position we deserve."
Geoffrey Willis, BAR's technical director, continued: "Suzuka is the last race of the season and an extremely important race for BAR's championship position. The circuit itself has many challenges, both the continuous linked curves of sector one which requires the car to have a good change of direction and stability, and the intimidating 130R very high speed corner. The track is aggressive on tyres and we will be taking a relatively hard compound to this race. This week we have been testing at Mugello which is a circuit which bears some similarities to Suzuka on tyre choice and set-up."
Shuhei Nakamoto, engineering director, Honda Racing Development, concluded: "We have had a productive test in Mugello, fine-tuning the specification for the Suzuka engine. It's always a special feeling to race in front of our home fans at our home track, and with the competition so close for fifth place in the championship, we are looking forward to an exciting finish to the season."
