Location:Suzuka
Lap distance: 5.44 km
Number of laps:57
Racing direction:Clockwise
Built as a Honda test track in 1962, it has
hosted the Japanese GP since 1987. Unique in F1
in being a figure of eight circuit. It has some
great corners (130R and Spoon), but overtaking
is difficult. Despite this, it has led to some
exciting end of season races. For 2007/8 the race
moved to rival Toyota's track at Fuji but is back for 2009.Jenson Button won the 2011 race from aFernando Alonso in the improved Ferrari, but third place for Sebatian Vettel was enough for him to take the drivers championship with another four races still to go.
The 2010 qualifying was delayed until Sunday morning because of rain. The race itself was dry and Sebastian Vettel won from pole ahead of his team mate Mark Webber.
The qualifying for 2009 was disrupted by several accidents. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel took pole and won from an improved Jano Trulli, whilst the championship leading Brawn's of Jenson Button and Reubens Barrichello were back in 7th and 8th
Previous Race winners
Year Driver Team
2011 Jenson Button McLaren
2010 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull
2009 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull
2007 & 2008 No race here these years
2006 Fernando Alonso Renault
2005 Kimi Raikkonen McLaren
2004 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2003 Reubens Barrichello Ferrari
2002 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2001 Michael Schumacher Ferrari
2000 Michael Schumacher Ferrari