Formula One news

Suzuka highlights F1 changes

Formula One's return to Suzuka at the weekend showed just how much the cars have changed since our last visit to the Japanese venue in 2006. Now with a single tyre supplier, no traction control and greatly revised aerodynamics to name just three factors, even those drivers with Suzuka knowledge had to learn the track again.

With 2006's race having seen Michael Schumacher snatch defeat from the jaws of victory - courtesy of a rare Ferrari engine failure - and Fernando Alonso win for Renault, 2009's return reminded the field just how punishing a track the Mie-Ken circuit is although teams had troubles of their own.

Sam Michael joins Frank Williams and Mercedes' Norbert Haug in Suzuka's FOTA meeting

"A little, but not much!" replied Williams Technical Director Sam Michael when asked just how much previous data proved useful. "The cars have changed a great deal since the race in 2006; we now have a single tyre supplier, slicks and completely different aerodynamics so there wasn't a huge amount of data that was still relevant."

With Nico Rosberg having enjoyed a return to the top five but Kazuki Nakajima still searching for his first points of the year, where does Sam predict the Grove team will be in relation to its rivals in Brazil? "We expect to be competitive," the Australian replied. "The season is drawing to a close now so we need to be scoring as many points as possible - our chances of doing that in Brazil are good."

more news

• 23 Nov.
  • 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
  • Villeneuve working on F1 comeback
  • Whitmarsh: Money not the reason for Button move
  • Hamilton: Button arrival fantastic news
  • Button: Difficult decision to leave Brawn
  • Confirmed: Button partners Hamilton at McLaren
  • Kubica to compete in second rally
  • Webber drives GP3 car in France

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