543 replies to this topic

[LolaB0860]

Here we are, lost in translation, it's Round 4 of the endless 24 race (+6 sprints) marathon called FIA Formula 1 World Championship 2024

 

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THE MOOD FOR THE RACE

 

Either:

 

 

Or:

 

 

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TRACK CHANGES FOR 2024

 

* New debris fences have been installed on the right-hand side of Turns 7, 9, 11 and 15.

* The tyre barrier on the left at the exit of Turn 12 has been renewed.

* The strip of artificial grass on the left between Turns 16 and 17 has been removed.

 

https://www.fia.com/...nd-prix-preview
https://www.suzukaci....jp/eng/f1/map/

 

 

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IS THERE SOMETHING NEW THIS WEEKEND TECH-WISE

 

Some updates (more to come for sure):

Red Bull: https://formu1a.uno/...at-japanese-gp/

Renault: https://racingnews36...ul-season-start

 

Williams still has no spare chassis but at least the second car is now ready to race...

 

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PIRELLI COMPOUNDS

 

C1, C2, C3

 

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WEATHER FORECAST

 

May or may not have some light rain (at this stage)

https://www.formula1...fe3bU7hcPH5GRmi

 

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 – FP1 AND FP2

Conditions: Chilly morning and mostly cloudy but likely dry for FP1. Overcast with an increasing chance of light rain from the afternoon. 30% chance of one light shower for FP2. Light breeze peaking in the afternoon at 15-20kph.

FP1: 14°C. FP2: 15°C.

Maximum temperature expected: 15 Celsius

Minimum temperature expected: 9 Celsius

Chance of rain: 40%

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 – FP3 AND QUALIFYING

Conditions: Overcast with a slight chance of drizzle or light rain all day long. Increasing chance of rain overnight. Light southeasterly breeze.

FP3: 15°C. Q: 16°C.

Maximum temperature expected: 17 Celsius

Minimum temperature expected: 10 Celsius

Chance of rain: 20%

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 – RACE WEATHER

Conditions: Moderate chance of rain in the morning (less than 5mm in 24h if occurs). Slight improvement expected for the race with likely drier conditions in the afternoon.

RACE: 18°C.

Maximum temperature expected: 18 Celsius

Minimum temperature expected: 12 Celsius

Chance of rain: 40%

 

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SCHEDULE

 

The time zone -corrected session times are here as usual

https://www.formula1...2024/Japan.html

 

And the full schedule, in local times and nonsense removed:

 

FRIDAY 5TH APRIL

09:00 - 09:45 Ferrari Challenge Japan - Practice

11:30 - 12:30 FIA Formula 1 - Practice 1

13:00 - 13:45 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan - Practice

15:00 - 16:00 FIA Formula 1 - Practice 2

16:30 - 17:00 Ferrari Challenge Japan - Qualifying

 

SATURDAY 6TH APRIL

10:20 - 10:50 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan - Qualifying

11:30 - 12:30 FIA Formula 1 - Practice 3

13:10 - 13:45 Ferrari Challenge Japan - Race 1

15:00 - 16:00 FIA Formula 1 - Qualifying

 

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL

09:45 - 10:20 Ferrari Challenge Japan - Race 2

11:05 - 11:40 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan - Race

14:00 - 16:00 FIA Formula 1 - Japanese Grand Prix

 

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SUPPORT RACES

 

Ferrari Challenge Japan

Entry list (29 cars) https://www.suzukaci...try_ferrari.pdf

 

Porsche Carrera Cup Japan

Entry list (only 15 cars...) https://www.suzukaci...try_porsche.pdf

 

The Porsche race may or may not be shown somewhere (probably not) but the Ferrari races will be livestreamed + replayed on the official Ferrari page:

 

Race 1 - Saturday

 

Race 2 - Sunday

Edited by LolaB0860, 03 April 2024 - 21:04.

[Risil]

Logan's back, baby!

[MKSixer]

Great OP!!

[FirstnameLastname]

No F2. Rough.

[FirstnameLastname]

Logan's back, baby!

Is it bad that I want one of them to break the chassis… just to see what would happen this time round.

[krapmeister]

Shame they don't have Super Formula running as a support.

[LolaB0860]

Shame they don't have Super Formula running as a support.

 

They tried to make it happen, but it failed

 

SUPER FORMULA'S HOPES OF SUZUKA F1 SUPPORT RACE FADING

https://www.motorspo...-race/10543900/

 

Stumbling blocks to a Super Formula support race are believed to include scheduling difficulties and the question of where the Japanese series’ teams would be based with the main pit building and paddock reserved for F1.

Edited by LolaB0860, 03 April 2024 - 21:22.

[southernstars]

Is it bad that I want one of them to break the chassis… just to see what would happen this time round.

Not "one of them", Alex specifically.

Apparently Logan is getting the repair job, which seems extra harsh, to be doubly punished for Alex's mistake.

[JimmyClark]

How's it October already? These years get quicker and quicker... oh wait. 

 

In any case, I'm in the US at the moment and not sure where I'll be able to watch (I'll be in Oklahoma on Sunday), so I'm selfishly hoping its not a Suzuka classic. I have a feeling though Max will be on a mission, much like Suzuka 2023... 

[thermonuclear]

 

 

Can't flippin' wait, all these fly-away-race fortnights are dragging like watching paint dry.  Plenty still to learn, one of the great tracks, passionate local fans ... let's go racing!

[loki]

Best hats at any GP.  Hands down.

[Exumer]

Amazing track. Still remember Kimi's 2005 win or MSC engine fail in 2006. Those were the days.

 

If it's a wet race, would RBR still get an easy 1st and 2nd, what's everyone thoughts? 

[AustinF1]

Man I love that movie ...

 

[SKL]

Who can forget Mika's pass on Micheal??    Suzuka and Spa are hands down the two best F1 tracks.

 

Just hope it doesn't rain for the race...

[RainyAfterlifeDaylight]

"Lost in translation" is one of those movies that my mind gets foggy every time I think about it. Hugely depression inducing movie for me personally!

 

I mean, depression is beautiful!

Edited by RainyAfterlifeDaylight, 04 April 2024 - 06:20.

[Stephane]

Not "one of them", Alex specifically.

Apparently Logan is getting the repair job, which seems extra harsh, to be doubly punished for Alex's mistake.

It's just quicker and cheaper this way. They are identical

[PayasYouRace]

Not "one of them", Alex specifically.

Apparently Logan is getting the repair job, which seems extra harsh, to be doubly punished for Alex's mistake.

Seems about right given Logan is responsible for the largest repair costs of any driver last year. He effed around and now he’s finding out.

[AustinF1]

How's it October already? These years get quicker and quicker... oh wait. 

 

In any case, I'm in the US at the moment and not sure where I'll be able to watch (I'll be in Oklahoma on Sunday), so I'm selfishly hoping its not a Suzuka classic. I have a feeling though Max will be on a mission, much like Suzuka 2023... 

Ohhhh ... I'm sorry.

[sportyskells]

Hopefully the Japanese weather will behave itself (I have to get up early anyway for a dentist appointment Friday )

[Nemo1965]

How's it October already? These years get quicker and quicker... oh wait. 

 

In any case, I'm in the US at the moment and not sure where I'll be able to watch (I'll be in Oklahoma on Sunday), so I'm selfishly hoping its not a Suzuka classic. I have a feeling though Max will be on a mission, much like Suzuka 2023... 

https://youtu.be/Pt6...jJE56sWeb_uz-J8

Edited by Nemo1965, 04 April 2024 - 07:35.

[BoDarvelle]

Buxton claims Williams isn't the only team without a spare tub.

 

Of course he didn't say who else was gambling.

[Beri]

 

 

 

 

Wait.. Wait.. Wait.. What?? It isnt called the Casio Chicane anymore?

[Beri]

Buxton claims Williams isn't the only team without a spare tub.

 

Of course he didn't say who else was gambling.

 

Its not gambling, its a business decision. Simple as that:
 

Let me lay it out for you:

- All work stopped at the moment Vowles and senior management decided to go on with the reformation

- All processes changed overnight, new systems were implemented and people started working via that way. Meaning there would be a significant amount of time to get adapted to it and not be as productive as one expects the company to be

- This likely lingered on for a couple of weeks before real progress was made and people were adapted to it

- Designing a part isnt the issue. Because that is still done the same way. It is manufacturing the parts that has changed in the most drastical way

- In the meanwhile development of the FW46 was behind schedule to this

- You can only produce an X amount of parts per day/week. So Williams was in a race to get one car ready for winter testing and the other one for the first race of the season

- These goals were met by the skin on Williams' teeth

- After the cars were ready, spare parts have to be made. And to give an image; a front wing takes about 3 weeks of pure production time to be completed if the organization is gelled in (which Williams isnt because of the reformation). A tub could take 4 weeks to produce

- Thus the team prioritized which parts had to be made first. And lets be fair; a front wing or floor is the easiest part to damage and teams usually have a minimum of 4 of those available. So those were on backlog. A tub isnt that likely to break, so that one went down on the priority list. Which is perfectly logical

- To make it more complicated; Dont forget that these spare parts are manufactured in between the daily process of producing upgrades as well

 

 

It is very likely that work on a spare tub was already underway. But that takes 4 weeks to complete by seasoned teams, which again Williams is still in the midst of becoming. If the backlog was cleared after Jeddah, which it very likely wasnt, it would mean that the spare tub is ready after Japan in the most preferred scenario. But choices had to be made. And I think Williams made the right call in my opinion.  The only issue is that it being a shame that Albon broke the tub right at the moment that they couldnt afford it. Now the spare tub will be delayed as a result because Albons tub needs fixing. Meaning the spare tub could take another couple of weeks extra. I wouldnt be surprised if it shows up as late as Imola.

[DW46]

The only reason it isn’t a gamble is cause Logan’s the weakest driver on the grid.

[southernstars]

Seems about right given Logan is responsible for the largest repair costs of any driver last year. He effed around and now he’s finding out.

 

You mean last year when Logan was an underprepared rookie? What's Albon's excuse then?

 

Presumably both drivers knew prior to the season beginning there was no spare tub. Logan hasn't broken the tub while there was no spare. Alex has.

[KWSN - DSM]

If there are another race, with a 19 car starting grid we will start hearing about a mandate to have 3 tubs from beginning of the season for all teams.

[Stephane]

But what if then, they lack a front, or rear wing, or another part ? Can't race either.

[MikeTekRacing]

But what if then, they lack a front, or rear wing, or another part ? Can't race either.

The tub is a complex big item which is rarely changed.
Teams have other components, especially wings

[MikeTekRacing]

The only reason it isn’t a gamble is cause Logan’s the weakest driver on the grid.

Weak or not, he didn’t the break the existing tub

[KWSN - DSM]

But what if then, they lack a front, or rear wing, or another part ? Can't race either.

 

If there is a hard deadline for a tub, there will be a tub.

[Stephane]

The tub is a complex big item which is rarely changed.
Teams have other components, especially wings

exactly why they don't prioritise a spare tub.

[Ruusperi]

Looks to be a dry weekend, which is relieving, because earlier in the week the forecast showed torrential rain for Sunday. Better have a dry race than cancelled race.

 

Can't wait. Suzuka is a driver's circuit and I think majority of the drivers consider it as their favorite in the calendar. It's certainly mine. Just seeing the cars take the S's is a wonderful sight. Onboards here are so enjoyable, thanks to flowing nature and the narrowness of the circuit. Unfortunately that kind layout makes overtaking almost impossible here. But it's like Monaco: there are more things to enjoy than just overtaking. If you want DRS passing, there are plenty of tracks that have abundance of it. Suzuka is like a rally stage. One mistake, and you're out. It's the challenge that drivers respect and love.

[Boing 2]

Just realised this morning that for European fans we have to wait for the 7th race of the season to see a live, daytime race that starts at lunch on a Sunday...

 

That would have been almost half a season in the 90's.

[ANF]

Wait.. Wait.. Wait.. What?? It isnt called the Casio Chicane anymore?

The Casio Triangle name disappeared from the official circuit maps about fifteen years ago. In 2014 the chicane became known as the Hitachi Automotive Systems Chicane on the official circuit map. On the previous map, from 2012, it was simply called Chicane.

From the Internet Archive
2006-11-06: Casio Triangle (カシオ トライアンゲル) https://web.archive....urse/index.html
2008-08-24: Casio Triangle https://web.archive....co.jp/course_s/
2009-07-21: Chicane (シケイン) https://web.archive....it.jp/course_s/
2013-05-27: Chicane https://web.archive....it.jp/course_s/
2014-08-12: Hitachi Automotive Systems Chicane https://web.archive....it.jp/course_s/

The image below is from this 2014 circuit map PDF: https://web.archive....seguide_dl2.pdf
The 2012 map: https://web.archive...._guide_2012.pdf

[jonpollak]

お疲れ様でした
oatsukaresamadeshita.

Jp

[Risil]

Just realised this morning that for European fans we have to wait for the 7th race of the season to see a live, daytime race that starts at lunch on a Sunday...

 

That would have been almost half a season in the 90's.

 

Not necessarily a bad thing IMO.

 

Suzuka and Melbourne especially make me feel good about F1.

[Burtros]

I’m astonished so many people can’t get their heads round Williams giving their strongest driver the strongest package? It’s absolutely the right decision in this sport.

Haven’t decided if I’m gonna get up for this one yet but it’s a track I do enjoy watching the racing at.

[southernstars]

Just realised this morning that for European fans we have to wait for the 7th race of the season to see a live, daytime race that starts at lunch on a Sunday...

 

That would have been almost half a season in the 90's.

 

Lemme play the world's tiniest violin for you.

 

I’m astonished so many people can’t get their heads round Williams giving their strongest driver the strongest package? It’s absolutely the right decision in this sport.

 

Mostly because the "strongest driver" is half the reason they're in this position in the first place. Also it sets up a catch-22 - how is Logan supposed to show his continued improvement and the chance to beat Albon if he's the one made to sit out and race the slower chassis? He actually hasn't had a single clean weekend this year - the steering wheel glitch in Bahrain, the team order in Jeddah, not even getting to race in Melbourne and now the slower, heavier chassis in Suzuka and China.

[Boing 2]

Not necessarily a bad thing IMO.

 

Suzuka and Melbourne especially make me feel good about F1.

I like them both as venues but the F1 ritual for me is built around a Sunday lunchtime start and a day race, seems to be taking forever to get that ritual going.

[DW46]

Weak or not, he didn’t the break the existing tub

Vowles put himself in that spot by picking such a weak driver lineup. The lead driver crumbles under pressure and the second driver is hopeless.

[PayasYouRace]

You mean last year when Logan was an underprepared rookie? What's Albon's excuse then?

Presumably both drivers knew prior to the season beginning there was no spare tub. Logan hasn't broken the tub while there was no spare. Alex has.

I just think Williams have a clear view of who’s likely to be scoring points for them.

[PayasYouRace]

The Casio Triangle name disappeared from the official circuit maps about fifteen years ago. In 2014 the chicane became known as the Hitachi Automotive Systems Chicane on the official circuit map. On the previous map, from 2012, it was simply called Chicane.

Old habits die hard. I still call the first chicane at Monza the Variante Goodyear.

[paulb]

OP had me at Lost in Translation.

 

As for Logan, Williams is doing whats best for the team.

[JimmyClark]

Ohhhh ... I'm sorry.

Trying to chase eclipse weather, starting point Oklahoma. Depending where clouds go, you never know I might end up in Austin on Monday ;)

[messy]

I’ll get up and watch this if Red Bull don’t look like they’re on another planet. They’ve always looked so strong at Suzuka and I kinda expect Ferrari to drop back a bit round here, maybe even behind McLaren who seem to suit this track. I’m not getting up for a Verstappen demo run but if somehow Ferrari and McLaren are in the same postcode, that’ll be very encouraging for the rest of 24.

[KWSN - DSM]

I will watch both Qualifying and Race live as 'deity of choice' deemed it.

 

Q: 02:00 AM

R: 01:00 AM

[ANF]

TRACK CHANGES FOR 2024
 
* New debris fences have been installed on the right-hand side of Turns 7, 9, 11 and 15.
* The tyre barrier on the left at the exit of Turn 12 has been renewed.
* The strip of artificial grass on the left between Turns 16 and 17 has been removed.

Turn 7 is Dunlop Nippo Corner, Turn 15 is 130R. The reason for the new debris fences is probably the very serious Super Formula accident that Ukyo Sasahara had in October where he went off at 130R together with another car, hit the soft barrier, was launched into the debris fence, somersaulted over the fence, and landed near the armco barrier at Dunlop Nippo Corner.
Amateur video showing the somersault: https://www.dailymot...m/video/x8p5y50


The TV footage showed the cars going off and the debris fence, but they never showed Sasahara's car on the other side of the circuit: https://youtu.be/vWAlcw7Bk_s

Edited by ANF, 04 April 2024 - 13:57.

[Myrvold]

and race the slower chassis? 

 

What now?

[IrvTheSwerve]

Lemme play the world's tiniest violin for you.

 

 

Mostly because the "strongest driver" is half the reason they're in this position in the first place. Also it sets up a catch-22 - how is Logan supposed to show his continued improvement and the chance to beat Albon if he's the one made to sit out and race the slower chassis? He actually hasn't had a single clean weekend this year - the steering wheel glitch in Bahrain, the team order in Jeddah, not even getting to race in Melbourne and now the slower, heavier chassis in Suzuka and China.

 

What are the differences in weights between Logan and Alex’s tubs this weekend?

[KWSN - DSM]

What are the differences in weights between Logan and Alex’s tubs this weekend?

 

100 grammes.

 

To clarify, form the Autosport article

 

"...The repair has only added 100 grams. Team principal James Vowles says the chassis damage was to a suspension insert and there was no crack in tub, so a driver is not expected to notice a difference between the two cars...."

Edited by KWSN - DSM, 04 April 2024 - 14:31.