Indeed,
McLaren are facing their first season in a decade in which they don’t claim a win, but if either Raikkonen or Pedro de la Rosa are able to end their drought in what has been an ultimately disappointing season for the team, Suzuka couldn’t be a better place for them.
Indeed, Raikkonen is looking forward to returning to Japan in light of the victory he claimed on the final lap last year when he swept round the outside of
Giancarlo Fisichella into turn one, while the pace of his car in China also fills him with the confidence to take on
Renault and
Ferrari.
“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.”
de la Rosa meanwhile is happy to be returning to Japan to race for the first time in several years, not least because he built up his career racing there in lower formulas.
“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!”
Ferrari – Michael Schumacher (#5), Felipe Massa (#6):
If Schumacher had chosen a circuit that he could eliminate from the calendar then Shanghai was probably it - until he won of course. Although arguably not the fastest driver on the day, Schumacher was once again ready and waiting when
Fernando Alonso slipped up and as a result he has eked into the championship lead at a crucial stage.
