Japanese Grand Prix preview

5 races to go and what a season this has been so far. Singapore turned out to be a terrific race for fans and more so for Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. With the F1 circus arriving in Suzuka this weekend, the intensity promises to keep on increasing.

Designed as a Honda test track in 1962 by Dutchman John "Hans" Hugenholtz. Suzuka is one of few circuits in the world to have a ‘figure 8’ layout, with the 1.2 km back straight passing over the front section by means of an overpass.

The circuit has been modified three times. In 1983 a chicane was put at the last curve to slow the cars into the pit straight and the Degner curve was made into two corners instead of one long curve; the circuit was also made considerably safer in 1983 by adding more crash barriers, more run-off areas and removing straw bales leading into vegetation. In 2002, the chicane was slightly modified, 130R was also modified and some of the Snake curves were made a bit straighter and faster. In 2003, the chicane was made slightly faster and closer to the 130R.

Openly touted by F1 drivers and fans as one of the most enjoyed, Suzuka is also one of the oldest remaining tracks of the Formula One World Championship, and so has a long history of races as venue of the Japanese Grand Prix. Its traditional role as one of the last Grands Prix of the season means numerous World Championships have been decided at the track.

Suzuka was dropped from the Formula One calendar for the 2007 and 2008 seasons in favour of the Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway, after the latter underwent a transformation and redesign by circuit designer Hermann Tilke. Suzuka and Fuji were to alternate hosting the Japanese Grand Prix from 2009. However, after Fuji announced on July 2009 that it would no longer be part of the F1 calendar, Suzuka signed a deal to host the Japanese Grand Prix.

Mercedes:

The prospects of diminishing dominance of Mercedes is unlikely to happen. But things are not outright positive for the German team. Reliability issues have and can prove fatal for the drivers.

Hamilton in Singapore turned his 22 point deficit to a 3 point lead but even the Briton knows that he cannot tread lightly considering the fact the he had been the recipient of the lion share of Mercedes's reliability issues.

Rosberg's last race is something the German would definitely try to forget. Coming into the race he had a 22 point lead but missing the pole position by 0.007 of a second and then retiring in the race because of wiring problems, how his morale fares in the coming races is something to be seen.

Red Bull

With Singapore GP, Red Bull got the best they could hope. And even Suzuka being a circuit that should play to RB 10's strength atleast on paper.

For Vettel, Singapore was the race the German won't forget this season. Finally achieving his best result and outscoring his team mate was the best the defending champion could hope for.

Riccardo on the other hand was hampered by technical glitches on his car but this outside contender for the driver's title would definitely produce an exceptional result in Suzuka.

Williams

For Williams, last race was something they never expected.

While Massa drove a pretty much lonely race it was the Finn who made most of the ground but only to see his strategy giving up on the penultimate lap and he finished out of points.

Ferrari

While at the Italian squad big changes are spewing up. Departure of big names suggest we could see a reinvigorated Ferrari next year but as far as this year is concerned miracles are unlikely to happen.

Fernando once again strangled the most out of F14 T to come home at P4 but this week has been dominated by the reports of his apparent move to McLaren.

Kimi on the other hand saw his finished in 8th and similar finish is expected from him in Suzuka.

McLaren

McLaren's season so far has been that of love found and lost. The season began with a high but soon their form disappeared. And it looked as if they had beginning to find it again but a reinvigorated Force India has been putting an intense battle for the Woking based squad. But McLaren would be the centre of attraction coming to Suzuka for the circuit being Honda's own. So everyone is eying a big announcement.

Button's is the second man who's must baffled by reports of Fernando's move to McLaren because this would effectively mean his retirement from the sport. So if Honda does decides to make an announcement in Suzuka, Button's future may very well depend on it.

Still we would see another impressive drive from the 2009 champion given his car doesn't give up like it did in the last race.

Magnusson on the other hand would try to forget his last race after heat issues destroyed his race. Reports have came in that the Danish racer was treated for burns too.

Force India

The battle for 5th place had intensified in the constructor standings with Force India claiming the position last race because of McLaren's issues and an equally good performance by Perez in the last race.

While Nico is getting back to resuming his consistent in the points performance once again the German will have to buckle up in the wake of competition from his team mate. Often referred to as a champion in waiting, Nico's talents has been drawing attention from critics given the fact that he has yielded everytime he and Perez has battled.

Toro Rosso

Toro Rosso has emerged as the new dark horse. Kyvat has been the pushing force for Toro Rosso and now Vergne has been pushing like hell to prove his mettle to prospective teams for the next year.

Once again Mercedes dominance is expected but Red Bull will surely be close on the heels of the front runners.

With weather expected to be cloudy for the race one thing is for sure, the east promises one hell of a race.