“Michelin have done a great job in Suzuka for the past couple of years, and I have a good feeling. But we are confident at
Renault, and they are confident at
Ferrari. So let’s see what happens.
“It is one of my favourites. For a driver, it is a very demanding track, very challenging physically and a tough race. It is one of those races that every driver wants to win – and I haven’t done it yet.”
Back on the podium for the first time since Canada,
Giancarlo Fisichella is back up to third place in the drivers’ standings and helped put Renault back in the lead of the constructors’ standings, albeit by only a single point.
However, the Italian is likely to face a test of nerve as he returns to the circuit where he dramatically lost victory on the final lap last season.
Nonetheless, Suzuka remains one of his favourite circuits and he is planning on going one better this time to get over the disappointment of last season.
“It is one of the circuits I really appreciate. I have a big fan club over there which makes the atmosphere nice, but from a technical point of view, this is one of the hardest tracks physically and mentally. It is a fantastic challenge. I want to improve on second this year, with a win."
McLaren – Kimi Raikkonen (#3), Pedro de la Rosa (#4):
Arguably missing out on victory in China when Kimi Raikkonen suffered yet more mechanical problems, McLaren head to Japan and to the scene of one of its greatest triumphs from last season, when the Finn pulled off a stunning back- to-front drive to claim a last lap victory.
Classed as one of the finest drives in one of the sport’s modern classic races, Raikkonen indicated exactly what he can do in a race winning car, something that no doubt lured Ferrari to him, although it remains to be seen whether the MP4-21 really is a car capable of winning.
