2014 Japanese GP @ Suzuka

[auaq]

Favourite track, unlike the Marina Bay street circuit a weekend ago. I think we should have more tracks like the Suzuka. Long sweeping fast hand turns, higher average speeds, the nature of the track should be such that it is more enjoyable to drive and spend a lot less on braking and or braking for the next sharp 90+ degree turn at very low speeds, or having very short straights. That's what I don't like about some of the F1 tracks nowadays. Well, enough of my tantrums, looking forward for a more close battle between the two teammates who are also rivals to each other. It won't be too long before Mercedes will wrap up the championship title as a constructor and that would be a great achievement for them after ... what 7+ decades ago?

Drivers Standings	Championship Standings
Lewis Hamilton	241
Nico Rosberg	238
Daniel Ricciardo	181
Fernando Alonso	133
Sebastian Vettel	124
Valtteri Bottas	122
Jenson Button	72
Nico Hulkenberg	72
Felipe Massa	65
Sergio Perez	45
Kimi Raikkonen	45
Kevin Magnussen	39
Jean-Eric Vergne	19
Romain Grosjean	8
Daniil Kvyat	8
Jules Bianchi	2

Constructors Standings	Championship Points
Mercedes AMG	479
RBR	305
Williams	187
Ferrari	178
Force India	117
Mclaren	111
STR	27
Lotus F1	8
Marussia	2
Sauber	0
Caterham	0

Look at some of the driver's points in the table that are pretty close. Similarly, a few of the teams are ready to overtake other teams.

In the mean while, I posted this a few threads ago but it seems like no one talked about it or even asked a question, so I'll post it here again ......

[m3fuz]

This is also one of my favorite tracks as well, behind SPA, Monza, and maybe Gilles Villenueve.

Can't wait to see Friday practice.

[auaq]

Meh ... I'll be busy this Fri and Sat so I won't be able to watch the practice sessions and the qualifying session. I will watch the race though.

[ArticM3]

- - - Updated - - -

Any idea what the weather will be like? Suzuka in the rain is always fun. (By the way, what's up with the Sochi circuit map?)

[bmwretard]

The best event of the year. Best track and best fans.

[auaq]

- - - Updated - - -

Any idea what the weather will be like? Suzuka in the rain is always fun. (By the way, what's up with the Sochi circuit map?)

Looks like the weather will be cloudy as usual.

https://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/JAXX0112_c.html

Well, not much with the Sochi track but just wanted to point out the layout. There's a bit of reminiscent of the Korean GP track and a bit of the Valencia circuit.

The best event of the year. Best track and best fans.

Aye! The fans are what keeps Suzuka in F1. They are so loyal and faithful to this sport. And, of course, one of the best tracks in the world.

[auaq]

Well, well, well ......


http://www.f1technical.net/news/1967...06bb138f589fa7

[keeptheuroalive]

Well, well, well ......

http://www.f1technical.net/news/1967...06bb138f589fa7

And it looks like an engine... I'm really hoping this engine will help McLaren challenge Merc. The more engine suppliers the better IMHO.

[spidertri]

Looks like it could be a wet one, they're projecting typhoon phanfone to be near Japan on Sunday. Hopefully it won't be race-delaying heavy rain.

[gary88]

Supposedly Alonso announcing his departure from Ferrari this weekend according to rumors.

[m3fuz]

Supposedly Alonso announcing his departure from Ferrari this weekend according to rumors.

Just read that on Autosport. It was only a matter of time they split, but it'll be interesting who Ferrari can get to fill Alonso's spot.

[spidertri]

I'd hope Bianchi would get called up to fill Alonso's spot. I think Bianchi has shown he can drive the heck out of a poor performing car.

[m3fuz]

I'd hope Bianchi would get called up to fill Alonso's spot. I think Bianchi has shown he can drive the heck out of a poor performing car.

Yeah, and I think he's been in the Ferrari camp before. But with Kimi retiring next year, and no lock on Vettel, who could they get to help develop the cars for the future? I don't know that Bianchi's there yet.

[bmwretard]

But with Kimi retiring next year

Wtf?

[Charlie]

Wtf?

Kimi's come out and said he plans to retire after his Ferrari contract is up, which runs through next year.

[sullypants1]

Alonso to Honda/Mclaren?

Oh I know, Alonso for USF1 rnd two.

[Yonkers320is]

Vettel out of RB at the end of 2014, daniel ricciardo and daniil kyatt will be the RB 2015 squad.

http://www.infiniti-redbullracing.co...iver-line-2015

i guess Vettel is going to Ferrari and Alonso to McLaren

[Joel 87 325]

Vettel to Ferrari confirmed by the official F1 Twitter account before the team actually announced anything.. Doh!!

[gary88]

Can't wait to see Vettel in red

Quali on now.

[S14]

Vettel to Ferrari confirmed by the official F1 Twitter account before the team actually announced anything.. Doh!!

link?

[m3fuz]

link?

.

[auaq]

So Mercedes on pole with Williams behind.

Regarding the news on Alonso and on Seb, that was out of nowhere to be honest. Reports of Seb going to Ferrari and Alonso either going to RBR or back to Mclaren/Honda. One still has to wonder what benefit do both drivers and the teams have for next year. RBR will still be using Renault PU and since there's already an engine freeze Ferrari are pretty much stuck with their current level of performance. What can Ferrari offer to Seb and what can RBR offer to Alonso is another question. The Mclaren/Honda will be a different thing because both parties will have to work together to achieve a reliable and hopefully a winning package. I have doubts that Honda are thoroughly prepared yet for next year not until year 2016. No matter how much one prepares in behind closed doors or even in private testing, it's the real world endurance testing that truly shows of what these machines are capable of.

[S14]

Do you think the official press release from rbr that next years drivers lineup is ric and kyv is just a placeholder until they can sign Alonso?

I think seb see's an opportunity with Alonso leaving to join his dream team, and with all the kerfuffel going on at Ferrari maybe he is hopping to build a powerhouse like the last 27 year old German to wear red.


So much written press is speculation, but I read somewhere last night that seb has had an open offer from Ferrari for some time.

[m3fuz]

Do you think the official press release from rbr that next years drivers lineup is ric and kyv is just a placeholder until they can sign Alonso? I think seb see's an opportunity with Alonso leaving to join his dream team, and with all the kerfuffel going on at Ferrari maybe he is hopping to build a powerhouse like the last 27 year old German to wear red. So much written press is speculation, but I read somewhere last night that seb has had an open offer from Ferrari for some time.

I don't know what Vettel is thinking when Mattiaci said the Ferrari needs 2 years to be competitive.

I can't see Alonso at Red Bull. With Ricciardo and Kyvat, Red Bull again has some great, young talent. I doubt it's a placeholder.

[auaq]

Ofcourse, even with statement releases either by the teams itself or by a second/third party this can all still be just a speculation.