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Suzuka circuit layout
Track telemetry © OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL

TRACK BRIEFING JAPAN · SUZUKA, MIE PREFECTURE

Suzuka

Figure-8 crossover masterpiece: Esses, Degner chicanes, Spoon, and 130R

5.807 km18 turns · 53 Laps (307.471 km)

The definitive driver's temple. Designed by John Hugenholtz as a Honda test track, Suzuka is the only figure-8 crossover track in Formula 1. The flowing S-Curves, double Degners, Spoon Curve, and supersonic 130R test chassis balance and driver courage.

LAP RECORD1:30.983Lewis Hamilton (2019)
DRS ACTIVATION1 ZONESDetection points verified
DOWNFORCE LEVELHIGHWing & floor load package
TIRE STRESSEXTREMELateral & thermal loading

01 SECTOR BY SECTOR GUIDE

01

Sector 1 (First Sector S-Curves)

Turn 1-2 into connected Esses

Downhill Turn 1 into five linked high-g esses where rhythm is everything.

02

Sector 2 (Degners, Crossover, Hairpin, Spoon)

Degner 1-2 & Spoon curve

Brave curb-riding into Degner 1 and 2, passing under the crossover into the long Spoon.

03

Sector 3 (130R to Casio Triangle)

310 km/h 130R into final chicane

Supersonic 130R left-hander taken flat out into the Casio Triangle chicane.

02 DRIVER CRAFT & TELEMETRY LESSONS

01

Rhythm through the Sector 1 Esses

A mistake in Turn 3 ruins your line for Turns 4, 5, 6, and 7.

02

Commitment into Degner 1

Taken at 250 km/h; dipping a tire onto the outside grass results in instant barrier contact.

03

Front tire thermal degradation in Spoon

The long double-apex left-hander cooks the front-right tire shoulder.

03 TRACK METEOROLOGY

TRACKSIDE METEOROLOGY
AIR TEMP22°C72°F
TRACK SURFACE38°COptimal Window
WIND24 KM/HNW (290°)
RAIN RISK18%Dry & Sunny
STRATEGIC IMPACT:

Track temp at 38°C favors starting on Medium C3 compound. Soft C4 tire degradation expected after 14 laps.

Suzuka is the purest test of aerodynamic balance and driver feel in motorsport.

Track geometry: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) ↗. Circuit facts: Formula 1 circuit guide ↗. Official circuit: Suzuka official site ↗.

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