P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why there will be no place to hide for F1 teams in Suzuka
The upcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Honda’s Suzuka circuit is known for its challenging mix of high-, medium-, and low-speed corners, as well as a long straight, making it a true test for drivers and their cars.
Many engineers see Suzuka as the ultimate benchmark for evaluating their cars’ performance compared to their competitors, especially after the unique tracks of Bahrain, Jeddah, and Melbourne.
The shift of the Japanese Grand Prix to an earlier date this year allows teams to better assess their progress over the winter and adjust to Pirelli’s latest tyre construction, providing a clearer picture of their competitiveness.
Mercedes is particularly keen on Suzuka’s track characteristics, as it can help them understand their car’s performance in different conditions, especially regarding temperature sensitivity.
For McLaren, the Japanese Grand Prix signifies a crucial moment to gauge their progress and competitiveness, especially in comparison to Ferrari’s significant improvements in high-speed performance.
Overall, the race at Suzuka promises exciting competition and opportunities for teams to demonstrate their advancements and strengths in the 2023 season.