Japanese Grand Prix – Predictions and presentation

Suzuka is making its comeback this weekend on the F1 calendar, much to the delight of local spectators and die-hard fans of the premier category!

The Roller Coaster

Stretching over 5,807 kilometers, Suzuka’s layout is one of the most beautiful circuits on the calendar and highly appreciated by the drivers. Unique in its kind, it is the only circuit shaped like an eight, featuring iconic turns such as the 130R and the final chicane, where the famous collision between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna took place in 1989.

The 17 turns that make up the track are all more difficult than the others, starting with the first sector and its very technical sequence of left-right.

Pirelli’s choices

Very conservative choice from the Italian manufacturer with the hardest tires in the range, ranging from C1 to C3. We can very likely expect extremely long stints during the race, which is not a good sign in terms of the strategic interest of the race…

It’s race week once again, as @F1 returns to the land of the rising sun after two years away! 🇯🇵

The #JapaneseGP is a firm favourite among the #Fit4F1 drivers, due to its history, challenging layout and fans 👇👇https://t.co/FqulwKhyeT#F1 #Formula1 #Pirelli #Pirelli150 pic.twitter.com/AzGciH8IK2

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 3, 2022

Is it time for Verstappen’s second title?

This is obviously the major challenge of this Japanese Grand Prix. Indeed, on the land of victories of Prost, Senna, Hakkinen, or Schumacher, Max Verstappen will try to imitate and succeed a certain Sebastian Vettel who is the last one to have won a title in Japan. It was his second one with Red Bull with a significant lead over his closest rival (Jenson Button with his McLaren, now an Aston Martin driver) … So, are their destinies connected or not? The answer will be revealed this Sunday!

To enlighten you, here are all the scenarios that could give the reigning world champion a second consecutive crown.

The editorial’s predictions: Verstappen majority.

Without much surprise, on a track where the best car on the grid is often ahead of the pack, many of us are betting on a victory for Verstappen which would secure him the title without even knowing the outcome of his two rivals Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez.

No big upset expected in this Grand Prix, but there are some interesting bets, especially with one or even both Mercedes drivers! As a reminder, the most recent winners in Japan were Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes, who secured the constructor’s title for the German team on that same day in 2019.

And you? What are your favorites for the Japanese Grand Prix?

The race will start this Sunday starting at 07:00, French time. All the schedules to be aware of can be found on the TV program page, available at https://example.com/programtv.