Formula One news

First Suzuka race for STR drivers

With McLaren being the other, Toro Rosso is one of two teams whose drivers have never competed in a Formula One race at Suzuka, although Sébastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari will do just that this weekend as the sport returns to the renowned location.

Jaime Alguersuari

With the Land of the Rising Son having hosted its last two Grands Prix at the Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway, Honda's popular Suzuka makes a return to the Grand Prix schedule in 2009. With both Toro Rosso pilots new to the sport this year, the first task will be to learn the figure-of-eight track configuration.

"I have been to Suzuka before, back in 2005 for a karting race, although of course we weren't racing on the F1 track!" Barcelona's Alguersuari commented. "I was leading the race on the final lap but I crashed with Kazuki Nakajima at the last corner and ended up second.

Sébastien Buemi

"Being in Japan for the first time was an amazing experience and it felt like another world to me. It's a dream to now be able to drive on the real circuit, having seen it while I was there - I've driven it on the simulator and also on a computer game. I hope we can have a successful weekend."

"I drove the Medical Car last year at Fuji but I've never been to Suzuka," added former GP2 driver Buemi. "I've been on the simulator to practice the track, which looks great, so I'm very much looking forward to driving it for real. I've heard that they have resurfaced the track and got brand new facilities in the paddock with new pits. I think it's one of the best circuits in the world, so I can't wait to get there."

more news

• 24 Nov.
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn
  • No early Brawn exit for Button
  • 'Unfinished business' for Räikkönen
  • 2010: How the grid is shaping up
• 18 Nov.
  • Button move a mistake, says Stewart
  • Donington goes into administration

Homepage