F1 Suzuka - Preview (MGP)

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Brackley, Germany/United Kingdom, Oct 01, 2010

Round 16 of the 2010 Formula One World Championship takes the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team back to the Far East for the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit. Hosting its 22nd Grand Prix, Suzuka is a great favourite amongst the Formula One drivers with its unique 5.807km figure-of-eight layout including famous corners such as the Spoon Curve and the high-speed 130R.


Mercedes-Benz Stats (including customer teams)

Japanese Grand Prix / Total (since 1954)
Grand Prix Starts - 16 / 298
Wins - 4 (1998, 1999, 2005, 2007) / 82
Podiums - 13 / 231
Points Scoring Positions - 21 / 427
Grand Prix Points - 109 / 2553
Fastest Laps - 4 / 86
Pole Positions - 2 / 81

Suzuka Circuit Stats
Circuit Length: 5.807 km
Race Distance: 307.471 km
Number of Laps: 53

Full Throttle: 63%
Brake Wear: Low
Tyre Compounds: Soft/Hard
Downforce Level: High 8/10
Tyre Usage: High
Average Speed: 228kph (141mph)

NICO ROSBERG
�Suzuka is a great race track and personally I think it is one of the best on the calendar, along with Spa. It is technically challenging, really quick and just a real drivers� circuit which demands the best out of you and the car. The first sector is definitely the highlight of the lap and part of what makes the whole layout so demanding. We�ve had a decent run of results, considering our performance, with one sixth place and two fifth places so we will be hoping to continue that at Suzuka.�

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
�Suzuka was always one of my favourite circuits of the year as driving the track is simply sensational in parts. Suzuka is technically demanding and has interesting corner combinations so it was a really good feeling when you got it together. I am heading to Japan with some good memories in mind as the track in Suzuka was the scene of some great races for me. Obviously I hope that we can add more and I am definitely up for the challenge. I am sure we will try to get the maximum out of our weekend.�

ROSS BRAWN
�Suzka has hosted some great races over the years and it is one of those tracks that is considered a real classic by drivers and fans alike. The improved circuit and paddock facilities were very impressive last year with the organisers putting on a great show. The last three races have been particularly good for us with regard to our work at the track as a team and our run of points finishes so we will be aiming to continue this trend throughout the final four races.�

NORBERT HAUG
�The layout of the Suzuka circuit is one of the drivers' favorites on the Formula One calendar. This race in Japan is very special and very demanding for the drivers, teams and cars. As in the last races, our target is to score points and to do the best possible job. We know that we are not yet in a position to win but whilst our technical developments are concentrated on next year's car, our team at the track will be fully focused on the last four races of the season.�

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