The Spyker M F1 Team has arrived in Japan as the Suzuka circuit celebrates its 20th Grand Prix. Born in 1962, the track has been the venue for the Japanese Grand Prix every year since 1987.
Designed by Holland's John Hugenholtz the unique figure of eight circuit is among the most demanding on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar. The 20 curves that make up the 5.8km track include the famous 130R and Dunlop Curve.
Leaving the disappointment of Shanghai behind the team has arrived in Japan knowing that the home race for it's engine supplier Toyota will mean the spotlight is shone in our direction once more. Initial weather predictions and certain track characteristics suggest that the conditions may well swing in Spyker M F1's favour so the team is looking forward to showing what they are capable of achieving.
In Japan the team welcomes Adrian Sutil back to Friday testing duties after his fantastic performance in France where he finished in the top 7 in both sessions. So far the 23-year-old has always been placed in the top 10 during the Friday sessions at Nurburgring and Magny Cours. Adrian currently leads the Japanese F3 Championship so this, in effect, is his home race.
Tiago Monteiro: "It's good to be back in Japan so soon after leaving China. Back-to-back races mean that I can totally focus on my driving for 2 weekends rather than be interrupted by time away from the track. I like the circuit at Suzuka as it has such a unique layout. Corners such as 130R are extremely famous in Formula 1 and require great driving to maximise the capability of the car. I had a good race here last year so I hope to improve upon what we have achieved so far."
Christijan Albers: "This is one of the best tracks that we visit for drivers. The design really allows us to attack the circuit and focus on getting as much speed and grip out of the car as possible. The people here in Japan love Formula 1 and I am always amazed by the fantastic atmosphere, it means the track is buzzing when we arrive which always gives you an extra lift on race day."
Adrian Sutil: "The 3rd driver role here at Suzuka has vital importance, the track design and required set-up mean that there is a great deal of potential for creating the right and wrong adjustments for the race. I am really looking forward to see what the M16 can do here as I feel I am learning more and more about driving an F1 car every time I climb in the cockpit. After going 5th quickest in France I hope I can show my capabilities again."
Dominic Harlow, (Head of Race and Test Engineering): "Suzuka remains one of the classic circuits on the F1 calendar. It is very popular with the drivers and the only one with a figure of 8 configuration. The team has worked incredibly hard to turn the cars around following the race in China last weekend and prepare again for this event. We believe the circuit layout here with its very high average speed, fast corners and abrasive surface will suit our package well. There are some forecasts of changeable, even stormy, weather conditions for the weekend and this is bound to figure in our plans as we try to make the best use of the track time during practice looking for a balanced and responsive car set-up for the race."
Colin Kolles (Team Principal): "Japan has a very rich racing heritage and plays an extremely important role in Formula 1. As the official home of our engine partner Toyota, it is important for Spyker M F1 Team to do well here. However coming to the Suzuka circuit is a great test for the team, this is a demanding track and we have had very little time since the end of the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend. I have no doubt that we will be ready for what is always an exciting race, the weather here is unpredictable and the crowd extremely enthusiastic so I hope we will see some great racing and a good performance by Spyker M F1 Team."
