Formula One returns to Japan for the first time since 2019, but this weekend will mark AMF1's debut in the Land of the Rising Sun. Here's a taster of what to expect from this weekend's action.
日本へようこそ
Food. Art. Culture. Japan is known around the world for its beautiful and fascinating traditions, from hanami (the art of watching the cherry blossoms), to sashimi (thin slices of raw fish) and even karaoke, which translates to 'empty orchestra'.
As Aston Martin F1 heads to the Japanese Grand Prix for the first time, we take a look at what makes it such a unique event on the Formula One calendar.
A sublime setting
Located in the Mie Prefecture, near the south-west coast of Japan's Honshu Island, Suzuka sits on the outskirts of the city of the same name.
Its hills provide a rollercoaster-like backdrop to the venue, but a racing-themed amusement park sits on the outside of the final corner. There, the famous Ferris wheel overlooks the circuit and has become one of Suzuka's iconic sights.
The city of Suzuka itself is steeped in history dating back centuries. Nearby Nagoya is one of Japan's largest cities, but with the country's famous bullet trains, it is possible to explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with ease.
Fanatical support
The fans at the Japanese Grand Prix are some of the most passionate, dedicated, knowledgeable and creative in the world.
From sitting through torrential downpours, to staying at the track well after the sun sets to see their favourite drivers, the fans will make sure they experience the whole event whatever the conditions.
They arrive every year with new and creative ways to show support to their favourites – favourites from past years have included hats with opening DRS flaps and cut-outs of their favourite driver, anime style.
The fans here provide a unique element to the event.
Steeped in history
Almost every corner at Suzuka has a story to go with it, etching it into Formula One legend. And so does the start line – remember Michael Schumacher stalling in the 1998 title decider, or Alain Prost jumping Ayrton Senna at the start of the infamous 1990 race?
Turn Two is where Jacques Villeneuve and Schumacher both saw championship hopes end; this begins the snaking Esses up the hill, which every driver loves and are among the most challenging sections of racetrack on the planet.
Nigel Mansell crashed violently here in 1987, and the subsequent injury ended his title hopes, while Eddie Irvine pulled off a brilliant double overtake through this sequence a decade later.
Other title deciders at Suzuka include victories for Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Nelson Piquet and, of course, AMF1's Sebastian Vettel during his incredible 2011 season.
Early starts
After two seasons of races away from the eastern side of the globe, fans in Europe haven't needed to set early alarms to follow the track action. But we can expect some early starts, as this weekend sees lights out at 06:00 BST on Sunday morning.
Join us across the weekend to follow all the action on our channels and be part of the story by using the hashtag #IAM.
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