Japanese GP Minardi preview

The day after the United States Grand Prix the Minardi Team's mechanics spent an additional day at the American circuit to overhaul the three single-seaters and ship them straight to Japan where they were delivered early this week together with the rest of the material.

The Japanese track has always been considered one of the hardest and most demanding circuits for driver and car both. With its nearly six Kms' length, the track is one of the longest in the calendar displaying several changes of direction and sequences of very fast sections and slower twisty spots. Therefore, it will be crucial to find a good aerodynamic compromise and to optimise the car's balance especially to cope with the series of "S" turns at the back of the finishing straight line.

Gaston Mazzacane has never raced on this unique figure-of-eight shaped track. He will exploit the free practice sessions as much as he can to learn it in the shortest time. Marc Gene is ready to face in a trustful mood the penultimate challenge of the Championship after enjoying his first Japanese drive last year.

The general conditions could arise to produce a race full of unexpected events and coups-de-scène on the enthralling Suzuka circuit where the engine's r.p.m. are expected to reach their peak throughout 50% of the lap time with the weather being a factor of uncertainty that should not be overlooked.