Hamilton and Massa Aim for F1 Title
Lewis Hamilton heads to Japan with a seven point lead over his main rival Felipe Massa in the Formula 1 world Championship. The McLaren driver will be taking nothing for granted, however, after squandering a bigger points lead last year and losing the title to Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen.
The Fuji circuit is once again the venue for the Japanese Grand Prix and, despite only reclaiming the race from Suzuka last year, the circuit has cionsiderable Formula 1 history. It was there in a torrential downpour in 1976 that James Hunt won a memorable World Championship in a McLaren. His rival, Niki Lauda, retired his Ferrari after deciding that his life was important than racing in atrocious visibility.
It should once again be a Mclaren and Ferrari battle in 2008 but, whatever happens, the championship cannot be decided at Fuji. It will be interesting whether Ferrari persist with using their unique pit-light system after the latest debacle in Singapore which left a mechanic injured and deprived Massa of a potential victory. Even if the Brazilian wins the remaining races, Hamilton can secure the title by finishing second at each event. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo was quoted on the BBC Sport website speaking about Ferrari’s chances;
“I expect Massa and Raikkonen to always finish first and second in the three remaining races. In any case, ahead of McLaren.”
Alonso and Vettel Full of Confidence for Japanese GP
Fernando Alonso scored a remarkable victory in Singapore but his team mate Nelson Piquet will be under massive pressure to perform after what has been a hugely disappointing debut year for the young Brazilian. It is no secret that Renault have been testing and evaluating several other young drivers.
Sebastian Vettel is still on the crest of a wave after his stunning Monza victory and the Toro Rosso youngster had another strong points finish in Singapore. Last year at Fuji Vettel crashed into Mark Webber’s Red Bull (Toro Rosso’s sister team) during a safety car period when both drivers looked set for a podium finish.
With only three races left many drivers will be keen to impress as contract renewal time approaches. Rain is not uncommon at the Japanese Grand Prix, which could produce another surprise result in a season which has so far produced three first time winners. The 2008 Formula 1 season has featured an unusually high number of wet races. Japanese Grand Prix tickets are available directly from the Fuji circuit.
2008 Japanese GP Facts and Figures
Race date: Sunday 12th October, 2008
Race distance: 67 laps
Circuit length: 2.835 miles (4.563 km)
Circuit record: 1 minute, 28.193 seconds (Lewis Hamilton, 2007)
Weather forecast: Saturday (cloudy, rain around lunchtime), Sunday (dry and sunny)
 |
