The new Formula 1 season has kicked off with McLaren's impressive dominance. The attention now shifts from China to Japan for the highly anticipated Japanese Grand Prix, set to begin on April 4 and culminate with the final race on April 6 at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. While McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed victory at the Australian Grand Prix, his teammate, Oscar Piastri, triumphed in Shanghai, with Norris finishing in second. The question remains: will McLaren maintain their podium presence in Japan?
Japanese Grand Prix Schedule
Unlike the Chinese Grand Prix, this event will feature three practice sessions before the Qualifying on Saturday. This format mirrors the one used at the season opener, the Australian Grand Prix, though the rain hindered drivers from fully executing their strategies. There are chances of a slight drizzle on Sunday as well but it may not be that severe.
The schedule for the Japanese Grand Prix includes the first and second practice sessions on Friday, April 4, followed by the third practice session on Saturday morning. Qualifying will then take place at 3 pm on Saturday, with the final race on Sunday, April 6, starting at 2 p.m. local time (Japan).
The Sunday race will consist of 53 laps around the 5.807-kilometre Suzuka International Racing Course, with an expected duration of around two hours.
Where to watch the Japanese Grand Prix
F1 fans can catch the Japanese Grand Prix live on FanCode, where the first two minutes of each session are available for free. After that, viewers will need to subscribe to access the full event. Additionally, the race can be streamed on F1 TV Pro as well.
What’s special about the Suzuka Circuit?
Opened in 1962, the Suzuka Circuit is renowned for its unique ‘S’ shaped curves that challenge drivers to push their skills to the limit on Japanese soil. Its distinctive layout and challenging corners make it one of the most exciting tracks on the F1 calendar.
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The weather is expected to be pleasant for the high-speed action, with temperatures ranging between 9°C and 15°C. Light drizzle is possible, with a 40% chance of rain. On race day, there’s a slight chance of light drizzle in the evening, with a 20% chance of rain. Sunday’s temperatures are predicted to range from 10°C to 17°C, providing a cool, crisp environment for the race.
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