“I have grown up with the Suzuka circuit, so I cannot help but be excited to be going to the Japanese Grand Prix for the first time as a
Formula One driver and with a Japanese team. Last weekend in China I finished an
F1 race for the first time, so this is a good step for me going to Suzuka this week. I am really looking forward to seeing all of the Japanese fans and I will try to do the best, even more than usual, in front of my home crowd.”
TYRES:
Bridgestone have vowed that they will be pushing to the maximum in Japan this weekend, in order to reach their targets - and try and help
Michael Schumacher and
Ferrari in their bid to beat
Fernando Alonso and
Renault to the drivers' and manufacturers' titles.
The Japanese Grand Prix is a significant one for Bridgestone and while the battle for the titles will be foremost it is also important in other ways. Indeed it is not only the home event for them, but it is also one for their partner teams,
Toyota and
Super Aguri. All-in-all then it is an extremely crucial weekend and one they will be determined to shine at.
"Suzuka is a great circuit and very challenging from a driver's point of view,” technical manager, Hisao Suganuma said. “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."
