10 things you need to know about the Japanese Grand Prix

Championship decider

Ayrton Senna secured his Driver’s Championshop at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1988,1990 and 1991

The Japanese Grand Prix has been witness to the most title deciding rounds than any other Grand Prix with 12. It all started with James Hunt’s win at Fuji in 1977. The win however was undermined by his third place at the inaugural F1 Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 after he beat bitter rival Niki Lauda to take the Championship.

A number of legendary drivers secured their title’s at the Japanese GP. Nelson Piquet (1987), Alain Prost (1989), Ayrton Senna (1988, 1990, 1991), Damon Hill (1996), Mika Häkkinen (1998, 1999), Michael Schumacher (2000, 2003) and Sebastian Vettel (2011) have all secured their championships here. Nelson Piquet won his Championship in 1987 even before the race started as title rival Nigel Mansell was ruled out of the race with a back injury he suffered during qualifying.

Mclaren the best team

Mclaren have been the best team at the Japanese GP with nine wins their last by Jenson Button in 2011

McLaren have been the best team at the Japanese Grand Prix with nine victories. James Hunt took the first win in 1977 at Fuji, followed by wins at Suzuka for Ayrton Senna (1988, 1993), Gerhard Berger (1991), Mika Häkkinen (1998, 1999) and Kimi Raikkonen (2005). Lewis Hamilton won at Fuji in 2007, and Jenson Button at Suzuka in 2011. They also have 25 podiums to their name.Ferrari have the second most wins in Japan with seven.