Japan brings the F1 'gees' for epic race around 'figure 8' Suzuka track

It's the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, and Formula 1 is ready to get going in front of a crowd known for bringing the gees. Or as the locals call it, seishin.

Having been a part of the F1 calendar since 1987, the Suzuka circuit has seen many great battles unfold on its asphalt, with many championships being decided here over the years.

Nelson Piquet won his third and final title in the inaugural race, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen won his second title here last year.

There is plenty of magic and history around the racetrack, and this year's race promises to be another one for the books.

Track details

Soichiro Honda, the founder of the automotive giant and Red Bull's engine partner, wanted a racetrack where his cars could be tested. So, with the assistance of Dutchman John Hugenholtz, the Suzuka raceway was drafted.

Back then, the original circuit passed over and under itself three times(!), but alterations in later years would see this happen only once. It is the only 'figure eight' circuit on the F1 calendar.

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Following modifications for that first race in '87, the stretch of track between Turns 9 and 10 runs underneath the back straight just before Turn 15, better known as 130R.

Speaking of 130R, drivers need absolute commitment as they tackle it. Only the bravest of the brave would tackle Turn 15 without blinking in cars that were not as easy to drive as their modern counterparts.

Look ma, one hand!@Charles_Leclerc tackled the fearsome 130R corner while holding onto his mirror back in 2019 #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/oJqDohZzKj

With a length of 5.807 km, the total race distance of 307.471 km is completed in 53