Formula One news

Fuji chassis preview

The new Fuji circuit is dominated by slow-speed corners, so mechanical grip will be a critical factor. This is likely to push the teams towards a relatively soft overall set-up, much like in Bahrain for example, although achieving a good change of direction will be important in the tight, slow-speed sections, which may push teams towards a stiffer front end. Traction will be a critical parameter, as cars performing poorly on the exit of turn 16 will be vulnerable to overtaking manoeuvres on the main straight, or into turn 1.

The circuit includes only two medium to high-speed corners, at turn 3 and the long 180° right-hander of turns 4 and 5. The latter in particular is likely to see the cars suffering from a high amount of understeer, which the drivers and engineers will work to dial out through the weekend without compromising the slow-speed performance.

In terms of downforce level, the circuit has re-designed on the modern principle, which requires teams to sacrifice lap-time (and downforce) in order to achieve competitive top speeds on the straight to make up, or defend, position. As such, the cars will be running lower-than-optimum wing settings for the twistier sections, further emphasising the importance of good mechanical performance.

The brakes will have a relatively easy time, with just two major braking events, into turns 1 and 10 - and plenty of time to cool in between. Ride is an unknown as yet: the new track surface is likely to be smooth, but the extent to which the kerbs can be used will only be seen on Friday morning. In terms of tyre energies, the circuit is unlikely to be particularly severe owing to the absence of high-speed corners; however, rear tyre wear is likely to be an important parameter owing to the heavy traction demands, and the penalty that excessive wear will bring in terms of making a driver vulnerable to overtaking. Bridgestone will make available the soft and medium compounds from its 2007 range for this race.

more news

• 09 Jan.
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  • Toro Rosso confirm Buemi
  • Technical reshuffle at Red Bull
  • Klien still optimistic of race seat
  • Kubica named Polish sports personality of the year
  • Richards out of Honda running
  • Donington gains planning permission
• 08 Jan.
  • FOTA agrees cost-cutting plans
  • De la Rosa still aiming for race seat in F1
  • A dozen parties interested in Honda
  • Mosley not done yet with cost cuttings
• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit

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