Japanese GP Thread #ForzaJules - Contains Qualifying & Race spoilers

[Fernando]

The 2015 Japanese GP in a nutshell

Track: Suzuka International Racing Course. Permanent circuit.

Race start time: 6am UK time Sunday (2pm local).

Laps: 53.

Track length: 5.807 km.

Tyre allocation: Medium (white) and hard (orange).

DRS Zones: One (Pit straight).

Driver steward: Emanuele Pirro.

Lap record: Kimi Raikkonen - 1:31.540 (McLaren, 2005).

2014 pole: Nico Rosberg - 1:32.506 (Mercedes).

Form guide

Sebastian Vettel is the most successful of the current drivers in Japanese GP history with four wins to his name. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are the only other multiple winners in Japan still on the grid, with two wins apiece, while Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen have also been victorious.

2014 result: 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes); 2. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes); 3. Sebastian Vettel, (Red Bull); 4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull); 5. Jenson Button (McLaren); 6. Valtteri Bottas (Williams); 7. Felipe Massa (Williams); 8. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) 9. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso); 10. Sergio Perez (Force India).

Last five winners at Suzuka: 2014: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes); 2013: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull); 2012: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull); 2011: Jenson Button (McLaren); 2010: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull).

Tyre allocation

Pirelli will bring the hardest tyres in their range - the white-marked medium and the orange-banded hard tyres to Japan.

The Italian firm say the choice "is to cater for the high-energy demands and fast corners of Suzuka, which ask a lot from the tyres. With the Japanese Grand Prix held earlier in the season compared to last year, conditions are expected to be slightly warmer".

[Fernando]

Romain Grosjean has signed for Haas apparently.

Carlos Sainz JR was fastest in p1, Danil Kvyat in p2

[Guest]

Grosjean & Gutierrez at Haas, probably means Jean Eric Vergne at Lotus. I'd expect Pascal Wehrlein at Manor Mercedes

[dummy_half]

Grosjean & Gutierrez at Haas, probably means Jean Eric Vergne at Lotus. I'd expect Pascal Wehrlein at Manor Mercedes

Anywhere for Jolyon Palmer*? Don't seem to be many (if any) race seats left open

* Not that I think he's outstanding, but he did win last year's GP2 title fairly convincingly. I think though Vandorne could be the next big star - haven't seen anyone in GP2 look as good since Lewis.

[Fernando]

I wouldn't expect JEV at Lotus although id like it. Could see them plumping for Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly, Admittedly Mercedes own Ocon i don't foresee them stopping him since won't get a seat anywhere else.

[Guest]

The rumours are behind JEV & he has links with Total?, who must be continuing with Lotus/Renault next year. Lotus/Renault need a credible line-up & a good barometer to judge Maldonado against. Putting in more rookie, unproven drivers, instead of a talented Vergne, would be a mistake.

As for Jolyon Palmer, he doesn't have the financial muscle to make F1. Becoming the GP2 Champion means nothing, if you have no money or are not in a RB/Mercedes/McLaren young driver program. Davide Valsecchi & Fabio Leimer are recent examples.

[Guest]

Normal service resumed, as expected

Rosberg pole & Hamilton second, although nobody got a second run in q3, as Kyvat crashed heavily. Ferrari off the pace this week.

[GSC]

Vandorne could replace Button next season.

Sounds like Renault buying Lotus is done.

[GSC]

Its sad that Pastor Maldonado will have a drive next year when JEV is doubtful.

[GSC]

Spectacular crash from Kvyat. Obviously heart in mouth moment for a lot of people given the circumstances of last year. Good to see hes ok.

Rosberg on pole. Even money that positions ends after turn 2.

[Guest]

I suppose the biggest uncertainy with this Grand Prix is will the new Mercedes Engines hold to the end of the race - or will there be software problems again.  I suppose when you have to deal with "software" problems that sort of emphasises the importance of the machinery versus the importance of the driver.  If you add in a Google type software for steering etc we can have a fully automated race without the drivers.  It would be a lot safer - maybe that is the future.

[GSC]

Rosberg on pole. Even money that positions ends after turn 2.

A call on par with Fosters

[Guest]

Hardly a mind blowing prediction


As for the race, pretty dull. Hamilton did what champions do, showed the aggression & ruthless streak in pushing Rosberg wide, resulted in an easy win to extend his lead to 48 points. Nothing else happened really, apart from some comical radio messages from Alonso, slating Honda & probably doing it to get sacked.

[GSC]

Its McLaren or F1 retirement for Alonso.

Title race done once and for all.

[Guest]

I think Rosberg is a very very good racing driver but just not as good as the Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso trio.

[Fernando]

Renault sign intent to buy letter of Lotus F1.

[dyrewolfe]

Renault sign intent to buy letter of Lotus F1.

Wonder if they'll keep the Lotus name, or go With Renault F1?

As for the race...glad I decided to watch the midday re-run. Certainly not worth an early-morning start.

[pob]

I think they will be "Renault Lotus" for next year at least, like "Manor Marussia".

[Jermaine2015]

Renault will surely simply just revert to Renault F1. Why on Earth would they want to keep any links to Lotus F1? It doesn't have any benefits.

[GSC]

I think they will be "Renault Lotus" for next year at least, like "Manor Marussia".

Or like Lotus Renault

[pob]

Manor had to keep Marussia as the official constructor name so they would get their prize money, the "Manor" part of Manor Marussia is effectively a title sponsor. Although the Lotus takeover by Renault appears to be being facilitated by Bernie, they still may have to keep the Lotus name for one transitionary year unless Bernie and all the teams agree to an instant name change.
They could be Renault Lotus Mercedes if rumours about them keeping Mercedes engines for a year are correct, which is even dafter than BMW Sauber Ferrari .

[dyrewolfe]

Manor had to keep Marussia as the official constructor name so they would get their prize money, the "Manor" part of Manor Marussia is effectively a title sponsor. Although the Lotus takeover by Renault appears to be being facilitated by Bernie, they still may have to keep the Lotus name for one transitionary year unless Bernie and all the teams agree to an instant name change.
They could be Renault Lotus Mercedes if rumours about them keeping Mercedes engines for a year are correct, which is even dafter than BMW Sauber Ferrari .

Ehrmagerd!

Still, its got to be better than anything with "Haas" in the name.


EDIT: Saying that, "Genii Haas" (geddit?) has a certain ring to it.

[GSC]

Grosjean to Haas confirmed

[Guest]

Worst kept secret really, guess Gutierrez will be the second driver. Not really convinced about the move & what doors it will unlock for Romain. He's just jumping from one unknown in Renault, albeit a respected workforce at Enstone, to another complete unknown in Haas.  Guess he's thinking Renault will use their own engines for 2016 & Haas will use the stronger Ferrari PU.

[GSC]

The 2nd worst kept secret is that door is Ferrari.

[Guest]

Ferrari won't touch him, if he & Haas struggle, no matter what guarantees, which Ferrari wouldn't have given him anyway. While he languishes, someone else will come to the fore, such is F1.

[GSC]

Haas are essentially acting as a Ferrari feeder team.

[Fernando]

Ferrari = Haas
RB = Toro Rosso
Merc = Manor with their new deal. I expect Pascal Werlhein will get a seat there.

[Guest]

Not totally convinced on Grosjean's decision, but I hear he fell out with the hierarchy, so needed to move. I doubt Haas will be that competitive, so struggling in the mid-pack or towards the rear of the grid will do Romain's career no favours. Basically going to a feeder team has no guarantee whatsoever, Hulkenberg made the same decision in joining Sauber (powered by Ferrari), in hoping to make the jump to the Italian outfit for the next season. It didn't work out.

[Fernando]

Difference between powered by Ferrari and being given half the car essentially Their getting software,wings etc more then just an engine. Plus over the last 2 years Lotus have been near the back anyway barring Spa.

[Fernando]

Two of Formula 1's smallest teams have accused the sport of being run "unlawfully" in a complaint to the European Union.

Force India and Sauber say the way revenues are divided and rules decided is "unfair" and have asked the EU's Competition Commission to investigate.

Formula 1 generates £1.1bn of income, of which 63% goes to the teams.

Force India said: "Sahara Force India is one of two teams to have registered a complaint with the European Union questioning the governance of Formula 1 and showing that the system of dividing revenues and determining how Formula 1's rules are set is both unfair and unlawful.

"Due to the ongoing legal discussions, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

[dyrewolfe]

Two of Formula 1's smallest teams have accused the sport of being run "unlawfully" in a complaint to the European Union.

Force India and Sauber say the way revenues are divided and rules decided is "unfair" and have asked the EU's Competition Commission to investigate.

Formula 1 generates £1.1bn of income, of which 63% goes to the teams.

Force India said: "Sahara Force India is one of two teams to have registered a complaint with the European Union questioning the governance of Formula 1 and showing that the system of dividing revenues and determining how Formula 1's rules are set is both unfair and unlawful.

"Due to the ongoing legal discussions, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Nice that some of the people involved are finally going public about this.

Don't fancy the minnows' chances against the sharks of the top 5 teams...not to mention Bernie "The Great White" Ecclestone.

And thats even before you factor in the general incompetence and procrastination you have to expect with anything involving the EU.


Also read rumours (Daily Mail, soooo....) that Button could quit McLaren for Renault if their buyout of Lotus goes through and there are no signs of significant improvements. Wonder if Alonso would consider going back too?

[GSC]

I doubt Renault would be interested in Jenson. Alonso and Briatore are a different story, but i don't really see the point. Its McLaren or retirement for him with no WDC calibre cars going.

[Guest]

I doubt Renault would be interested in Jenson. Alonso and Briatore are a different story, but i don't really see the point. Its McLaren or retirement for him with no WDC calibre cars going.

Apparently they are and I suppose it would be the British connection: Jensen Button - Lotus under the ownership of Renault.  It would be sensible for Renault to go with a former world champion who can bring in the experience for a reasonable price.  Good PR - they will immediately have the British support.  Then they could find a French driver to complete a dream team for them.  Then it will be all about the engine and chassis and aiming to smash Red Bull - assuming Red Bull don't pull out.  With Red Bulls deal with VW looking like it could be up in smoke there must be a chance of that happening.  My instincts tell me that Red Bull will remain for the time being.

[Guest]

Agree with GSC. This just stinks of bored journalists frustrated at JB, for not revealing his future, so having to make a story to keep the interest, even though quite frankly JB is a fading force now & should really step aside for younger, more exciting drivers.

I doubt Renault would be interested in Jenson. Alonso and Briatore are a different story, but i don't really see the point. Its McLaren or retirement for him with no WDC calibre cars going.

Apparently they are and I suppose it would be the British connection: Jensen Button - Lotus under the ownership of Renault.  It would be sensible for Renault to go with a former world champion who can bring in the experience for a reasonable price.  Good PR - they will immediately have the British support.  Then they could find a French driver to complete a dream team for them.  Then it will be all about the engine and chassis and aiming to smash Red Bull - assuming Red Bull don't pull out.  With Red Bulls deal with VW looking like it could be up in smoke there must be a chance of that happening.  My instincts tell me that Red Bull will remain for the time being.

So you're saying they get Jenson, then find a French driver & it's all hunky dory. Are you forgetting that Pastor's millions are essential & the reason he's contracted for next year.

[GSC]

Id rather have Grosjean than Button in 2016.

[Fernando]

APPROVED 2016 CALENDAR:

March 20 - Australia
April 3 - Bahrain
April 17 - China
May 1 - Russia
May 15 - Spain
May 29 - Monaco
June 12 - Canada
June 19 - Europe (Baku)
July 3 - Austria
July 10 - Britain
July 24 - Hungary
July 31 - Germany
August 28 - Belgium
September 4 - Italy
September 18 - Singapore
October 2 - Malaysia
October 9 - Japan
October 23 - USA
November 6 - Mexico
November 13 - Brazil
November 27 - Abu Dhabi

[Guest]

Twenty one races. I feel exhausted just reading that list. Twenty-one different tracks, twenty one different sets up - travelling all over the world, different climates, acclimatising, food, drink, hotels, crating cars, equipment. Drivers putting their lives on the line. No wonder it is so expensive. Must be difficult for the small teams.

[Guest]

Jenson Button confirmed to drive for McLaren in 2016. Don't really see the point, would rather of seen Vandoorne.

[GSC]

Gut says hes good internally at managing Honda.

[Fernando]

Mercedes to supply Manor for 2016 cos they won't cause a threat to them.

Azaerbaijan GP is to clash with Le Mans so Hulkenburg has a choice to make & Jaime Alguersuari has retired aged 25.

[dyrewolfe]

Agree with GSC. This just stinks of bored journalists frustrated at JB, for not revealing his future, so having to make a story to keep the interest, even though quite frankly JB is a fading force now & should really step aside for younger, more exciting drivers.

I doubt Renault would be interested in Jenson. Alonso and Briatore are a different story, but i don't really see the point. Its McLaren or retirement for him with no WDC calibre cars going.

Apparently they are and I suppose it would be the British connection: Jensen Button - Lotus under the ownership of Renault.  It would be sensible for Renault to go with a former world champion who can bring in the experience for a reasonable price.  Good PR - they will immediately have the British support.  Then they could find a French driver to complete a dream team for them.  Then it will be all about the engine and chassis and aiming to smash Red Bull - assuming Red Bull don't pull out.  With Red Bulls deal with VW looking like it could be up in smoke there must be a chance of that happening.  My instincts tell me that Red Bull will remain for the time being.

So you're saying they get Jenson, then find a French driver & it's all hunky dory. Are you forgetting that Pastor's millions are essential & the reason he's contracted for next year.

I wonder how long Pastor's millions will remain essential though?

With Renault being the team owners, rather than just the principal sponsor / engine supplier, they may decide to increase funding to give themselves a real crack at being front-runners...which would mean they could dispense with Mediocre Maldo.

If that were the case it would probably make sense to try and get Alonso back, or failing that, some young exciting prospect. Button would be good for his experience and as a "safe pair of hands".


Anyway, with confirmation of Button re-signing for Honda, thats now a moot point. Guessing Alonso will also stay now. Wonder what McLaren or Honda said / showed him to convince him to stay? Both drivers haven't exactly been shy about voicing their frustrations, so I'm sure he'd have walked away unless he saw a good reason not to.

Think it makes sense from the team's point of view as drivers of their calibre can help develop a car far better than a rookie IMO. Better to bring Vandoorne in when/if they start making steps towards the front of the grid.

[GSC]

In Buttons case McLaren had an option to extend his contract.

[Guest]

I suppose given that Jenson Button is towards the twilight of his formula one career it makes sense to stay put with what he knows rather than starting from scratch again with a new venture (Renault etc). He has been part of McLaren for sometime and has built up a set of relationships with the engineers etc. He also has some good memories of what Honda can bring. In addition to all that he was contractually obliged to stay at McLaren for another year, he just needed some reassurance they weren't going to get rid of him.

[Guest]

Button is already making noises about continuing on into 2017, so all these reports & noise of retirement over the last fortnight, looked way off.

"For me, the exciting year is 2017," Button told Auto Express.

"There's going to be so much more mechanical grip, from what I've seen, it could be four or five seconds quicker a lap, through mechanical grip and aerodynamics.

"F1 isn't in a bad place at the moment and it's going to get better. Next year will be better and in 2017 F1 is going to be mega – I think there's a lot of excitement out there."

He obviously trusts Honda to deliver in 2017 & giving him one last shot at another title. Can't blame him for staying, although I would of like too of seen some fresh blood in at McLaren.

[dyrewolfe]

I see they're also talking about making the engines louder for next season...apparently they're still too quiet.

Nice to see they've got their priorities right.

Still the news for 2017 is encouraging. If they really are going to make the cars more reliant on mechanical grip and less dependent on aero, that should really assist closer racing / overtaking.

If we also get Michelin as the new tyre supplier and they really can deliver on their promise of tyres that don't degrade greatly over a stint...


Well, its a lot of ifs and buts, but at least its something to hope for.

[GSC]

Michelin wont happen

[Guest]

I see they're also talking about making the engines louder for next season...apparently they're still too quiet.

Nice to see they've got their priorities right. ...

It's all to do with getting the authentic experience of motor racing. That is why they have added the skid plates to generate more sparks. They are also looking towards spraying the spectators with diesel and dirt, more black smoke in the exhaust, more crashes and explosions with fireballs ...

[Guest]

Michelin wont happen

Let me guess, you sat down with Pascal Couasnon last week & told you his companies plans

[GSC]

No, Bernie throwing his weight behind Pirelli. And what Bernie wants...

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