The snow-capped cone of the mighty Mount Fuji volcano forms the impressive backdrop to the Japanese Grand Prix, the 16th race of the 18-round 2008 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
The 3,776m peak towers over the state-of-the-art Fuji International Speedway, which returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2007 after last hosting the Japanese race in 1977. The revamped venue, which updates the track?s configuration while still retaining much of its original character, hosts the event for a second successive year. Next year, the race returns to Suzuka, in Mie Prefecture, beginning an annual alternating programme between the two circuits. This year?s event will be the 24th Japanese Grand Prix.
The Fuji track has been kind to the McLaren team: in 1976, rebellious racer James Hunt dramatically clinched the world title after finishing third at the wheel of an M23; a year later, he won the event in an M26. Last year, Lewis Hamilton memorably emerged victorious from a torrential downpour that saw the race run behind the Safety Car for the first 20 laps.
LEWIS HAMILTON
Was it difficult to hold back in Singapore, or have you started driving with one eye on the world championship?
“Actually, I think I learned something when I was behind David Coulthard in Singapore: previously, you’d tell yourself to be consistent and avoid any unnecessary mistakes – but it’s one thing saying it and another to do it. And once you get in the car, it can be hard to stop the instincts you’ve been developing since you were eight years old. But I actually think Singapore was a good learning experience: there was less pressure to achieve a victory because of the unusual circumstances, which meant I was actually able to start thinking of the world championship. I hate driving for points, but I think we can all see the benefit of that approach at the moment.”
HEIKKI KOVALAINEN
Last year’s Japanese Grand Prix was the scene of one of your most impressive drives, are you looking forward to going back?
“Absolutely. Last year was one of those races where everything went right for me, one of those races where you can perform to a higher level than the car. I didn’t qualify too well but kept my head, drove sensibly, didn’t make any mistakes and battled with Kimi to finish second – my first Formula 1 podium. It was the highlight of my season. Of course, I love Japan, I’m looking forward to visiting Tokyo and also getting back to a circuit where I’ve got plenty of good memories.”
MARTIN WHITMARSH, CEO FORMULA 1, VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES
What sort of challenge does the Fuji circuit provide from an engineering point of view?
“It’s not a particularly extreme circuit; it’s not a place that really places a premium on the car or the driver – unless it’s raining, of course. But, as a result, it’s a circuit where you really benefit from solid, clever engineering rather than raw power or efficient aerodynamics. This year, we’re bringing a number of smaller components to the car ahead of the race and will be working hard with our engineers to ensure that we can maximise our track time in order to get our cars well-balanced. Of course, we are reliant on good weather – and we learnt last year that this is not always forthcoming when you’re racing on the side of a mountain!”
NORBERT HAUG, VICE PRESIDENT, MERCEDES-BENZ MOTORSPORT
Why did Lewis Hamilton not win after Felipe Massa’s refuelling problems? At the time he was second and the winner came from 15th on the grid, the runner-up from eighth – Lewis ended up third.
“Up until his first pit stop, Lewis was in second position. The first Safety Car period beginning on lap 15, of course, brought forward those drivers who had pitted shortly before – like, for example, David, who was ahead of Lewis for 20 laps after his pitstop and who drove significantly more slowly than Lewis’s race speed would have allowed. Drivers who could race without traffic after the Safety Car deployment had an advantage, so, as a consequence, the current Safety Car rules came under criticism.”
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