Japanese GP Tyrrell preview

Japanese Grand Prix - Preview October 24, 1995

Second Home Grand Prix for Katayama, Salo and Yamaha

The Nokia Tyrrell Yamaha team comes to Suzuka in strong spirits for the Japanese Grand Prix. It's the second home Grand Prix in one week for Ukyo Katayama, Mika Salo and Yamaha. Both Ukyo and Mika rate the circuit as their favourite track of the season. The fast and challenging corners should suit the performance of the Tyrrell Yamaha 023.

Mike Gascoyne, Deputy Technical Director said: "We are delighted to come back to Suzuka because the Japanese Grand Prix is always special for Tyrrell. We feel the lay out of this track will suit our car better, especially following the recent improvements we made at the last Silverstone test when both Ukyo and Mika recorded their fastest times of the year on this circuit. With a good reliability and a two car finish in the last two races we feel that we can bring again two cars to the chequered flag and score some points."

Ukyo Katayama: "I know Suzuka like the back of my hand and I love its challenging and fast corners. With Monza, it's my favourite circuit of the Championship and I am looking forward to a performance in front of my fans. After my accident in Portugal, The Pacific Grand Prix was a good warm-up and it boosted my confidence for this race which means a lot to me. I am delighted to race for the second consecutive weekend in my country."

The Japanese Grand Prix will be also a home Grand Prix for Finnish driver Mika Salo who raced for four years in Japan before his stunning debut in Formula 1 last year at this circuit. Mika said: "I am delighted to come back to Suzuka because it brings back good memories. It's my favourite track. I raced in Japan during four years in Formula 3000 and I know the circuit very well which is a change after learning new circuits for most of the season. My race engineer, David Brown, also worked in Japan as a race engineer in Formula 3000, so the two of us should do a good job this weekend!"

Mike Gascoyne, Deputy Technical Director commented: "Suzuka is a very challenging circuit where cars will be running with medium to high down force configuration. The track includes some combinations of difficult and fast corners. It is important to have a good aerodynamic efficiency and a good balance. The car must be stable and easy to drive, with good traction to get out of the chicanes. It is difficult to overtake but not impossible."

The Japanese Grand Prix will be held on the challenging 5.864 kms / 3.643 miles Suzuka circuit between Nagoya and Osaka. The 53 lap, 310.792 kms / 193.158 miles race will start at 13.00 hours local time on Sunday 29 October and is expected to last 1 hour 45 minutes.