AT&T Williams F1

2008 Formula 1 Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix

About Japan

Fuji Speedway is still a relative unknown in Formula One. Although the circuit debuted on the calendar last year, the majority of data collated was distorted due to the torrential rain which affected the sessions.

However, what is clear is that 33% of the 4.563km Fuji lap is dominated by the start / finish stretch which provides plenty of overtaking opportunities. Measuring 1.5km in length, it’s the longest straight driven all season, one on which drivers will reach top speeds of 195mph and spend almost 20 full seconds on the throttle. The end of the straight is then met by a hairpin at turn one, followed by a series of six left and ten right-hand low speed winding loops and gradient changes before the drivers journey back onto the start / finish straight.

There are no extremes at Fuji so the best lap times will be achieved by those cars with the strongest mechanical and aero principles. Set-up direction will ultimately be dictated by Fuji’s long straight but must also take into consideration the slower speed corners. A medium downforce configuration, to carry speed and assist overtaking, coupled with strong brakes and a balanced ride through the winding corners, will be the optimum operating level for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway.

Japan

12 October 2008