The Track:
Suzuka Laps: 53
Circuit length: 5.807km
2011 winner: Jenson Button (McLaren)
Weather
Saturday: 25C, cloudy
Sunday: 26C, mostly sunny
Details
Saturday: Qualifying 6am.
Sunday: Race 7am.
Television
Qualifying: Sky Sports F1 HD, highlights on BBC1.
Race: Sky Sports F1 HD, highlights on BBC1.
On the home straight
Korea
Oct 14 The anti-Suzuka. Miles from anywhere, difficult to reach, beside
an industrial port and unloved by the sport or the fans. The circuit has its
challenges and the race will be difficult to call. Verdict Ferrari could be
more competitive here.
India
Oct 28 This will be only the second trip to the New Delhi circuit. Last
year was amazing, not so much for the race as for the weekend in general.
Could be a fairly open grand prix. Verdict Maybe we could see Lotus or
Sauber challenge established front runners.
Abu Dhabi
Nov 4 Impressive circuit, incredible facilities, but rather lacking in
atmosphere. The Yas Marina Circuit has not produced any classics so far.
Some slow sections and also a very long straight. Verdict McLaren, Ferrari.
United States
Nov 18 Formula One’s first trip to Austin, although I have visited the
circuit before, albeit before the tarmac went down. I think there is a real
buzz about this race and I think the track will go down well with the
drivers. Verdict McLaren.
Brazil
Nov 25 Weather nearly always has a say. A bit run down but loved by
all; short lap, anti-clockwise, great atmosphere, a bit of something for
everyone in terms of fast versus slow-speed stuff. Verdict Between the three
main contenders McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.
My prediction for the title
Fernando Alonso (Ferrari). There is a reason he is leading the
championship — he has done the best job this year. Fernando does not have
the quickest car but then he has not had the quickest car for most of the
season. Vettel or Hamilton to pounce if the Spaniard trips up.