Formula 1

Japanese GP Sauber preview

Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "Suzuka is a race circuit that demands very high performance from all aspects of the car. "It is a medium-speed track, so horsepower and high aerodynamic efficiency are important on its fastest sections. At the ...

Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM

Copy link

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on WhatsApp

Share on Linkedin

Share on Pinterest

Share on Viber

Add as a preferred source

Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "Suzuka is a race circuit that demands very high performance from all aspects of the car.

"It is a medium-speed track, so horsepower and high aerodynamic efficiency are important on its fastest sections. At the same time it has a blend of fast ess curves and corners that require a well-balanced chassis and good downforce. Finally, the exit to the hairpin and the chicane at the end of the lap place a premium on braking power and stability, as well as mechanical grip for optimum traction. The surface is also quite abrasive, so tyre wear is also a consideration.

"All of this make for a very challenging track, which is one of the reasons why Suzuka is so popular with drivers and engineers alike. When you do well there, you know that you have achieved something special."

Nick Heidfeld (32 GPs, 13 World Championship points): "I was really pleased with the way that the Sauber Petronas C20 performed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and I think that bodes well too for its performance in Japan. The car suits fast circuits. Suzuka is one of my favourite tracks, so I am going there intent of finishing strongly to end a great season on a high note."

Kimi Räikkönen (16 GPs, 9 World Championship points): "I've heard so much about the Suzuka circuit that I am really looking forward to racing there, and to ending my time with Team RED BULL SAUBER PETRONAS by scoring more World Championship points."

-Sauber-

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?

Take our 5 minute survey.

- The Motorsport.com Team

Read and post comments

Read also :

Share Or Save This Story

Copy link

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on WhatsApp

Share on Linkedin

Share on Pinterest

Share on Viber

Previous article Japanese GP Williams preview

Next article Japanese GP Saturday practice

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

View More & Comment

More from

Kimi Raikkonen



David Coulthard explains why Robin Raikkonen's rise resembles Max Verstappen's

Formula 1

Formula 1

Spanish GP

David Coulthard explains why Robin Raikkonen's rise resembles Max Verstappen's



On this day: Michael Schumacher wins… and stuns tifosi with F1 retirement

Formula 1

Formula 1

Italian GP

On this day: Michael Schumacher wins… and stuns tifosi with F1 retirement



Red Bull signs Kimi Raikkonen’s son as junior driver

Formula 1

Formula 1

Italian GP

Red Bull signs Kimi Raikkonen’s son as junior driver

More from

Sauber



You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica

Formula 1

You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica



Lewis Hamilton 'almost signed for Sauber' before F1 debut, says Peter Sauber

Formula 1

Formula 1

Barcelona-Catalunya Pre-Season Testing

Lewis Hamilton 'almost signed for Sauber' before F1 debut, says Peter Sauber



F1 2025 season highlights: Fans crown Nico Hulkenberg's podium and Lando Norris's title as top moments

Formula 1

Formula 1

F1 2025 season highlights: Fans crown Nico Hulkenberg's podium and Lando Norris's title as top moments

Latest news



Spire, Chris Gabehart reject Joe Gibbs Racing premise on deleted texts

NASCAR Cup

NAS NASCAR Cup

Charlotte II

59 min

Spire, Chris Gabehart reject Joe Gibbs Racing premise on deleted texts



Ricky Stenhouse explains his side of Michael McDowell conflict

NASCAR Cup

NAS NASCAR Cup

Charlotte II

4 h

Ricky Stenhouse explains his side of Michael McDowell conflict



Barnes: Why IndyCar’s updated licensing system fails its own integrity test

IndyCar

Indy IndyCar 6 h

Barnes: Why IndyCar’s updated licensing system fails its own integrity test



Why NASCAR is not penalizing Stenhouse, McDowell for post-race theatrics

NASCAR Cup

NAS NASCAR Cup

Charlotte II

7 h

Why NASCAR is not penalizing Stenhouse, McDowell for post-race theatrics

Feature

Discover prime content



Christian Horner's inside story of how Red Bull built its own F1 engine

Formula 1

By Jake Boxall-Legge

Christian Horner's inside story of how Red Bull built its own F1 engine



Exclusive video: Christian Horner interview on his Red Bull exit, Mercedes rivalry and more

Formula 1

By Autosport

Exclusive video: Christian Horner interview on his Red Bull exit, Mercedes rivalry and more



Why Mercedes' latest 2026 F1 update is no downgrade

Formula 1

Singapore GP

By Jake Boxall-Legge

Why Mercedes' latest 2026 F1 update is no downgrade



'Senior moment' or breakdown of trust? The implications of Hamilton's Singapore GP meltdown

Formula 1

Singapore GP

By Stuart Codling

'Senior moment' or breakdown of trust? The implications of Hamilton's Singapore GP meltdown

Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.

From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.

You have 2 options:

Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here

Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page

Manage Alerts

Subscribe