FORMULA 1 - 2010

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McLaren preview the Japanese GP

Jenson Button: "I've spent such a large part of my Formula 1 career working in Japan that I almost consider it something of a second home nowadays. Tokyo is one of the greatest cities in the world - just an endlessly exciting place to discover and explore, and Suzuka is the perfect venue for the Japanese Grand Prix – one of the world's truly great circuits, and a supreme challenge for any racing driver.

"I love the whole Suzuka experience – the fact that it's a real trek to reach from Europe, the amusement park that you walk through to get to the paddock, the incredibly loyal and friendly Japanese fans – who cheer me on all weekend – and the whole atmosphere, which is invariably extremely tense and frantic, because the race always plays such a decisive role in the outcome of world championships.

"I've had some great results at Suzuka, but I've never won in Japan. I think it's a circuit that suits my style – it's all about scrubbing off as little speed as possible through the corners and maintaining a very smooth and precise rhythm: get it wrong and you're usually scrabbling to regain your momentum for several more corners. It's a punishing place.

"I think the world championship is still completely open: obviously, there's no room for mistakes, but any of the top five drivers could easily steal the title. It might seem a disadvantage to be behind in the points standings, but, make no mistake, I know I can win this championship. I'm still as determined as ever to keep the number one on my car for 2011."

Lewis Hamilton: "The first two Japanese Grands Prix of my Formula 1 career were held at the Fuji Speedway. While that's a great circuit, on arrival at Suzuka for the first time last year, it was clear that this was one of the great racetracks of the world.

"It's a real driver's circuit – you need to be committed and precise to do well there, and there's no room for error either: no Tarmac run-off, and all the barriers are pretty close, so any mistake is going to hurt your chances big-time.

"It's also a place with a lot of history. Before I first went there, it was a place I always associated with Senna and Prost, and their incredible rivalry. But it only ever existed on the television screen – walking the track for the first time, and knowing I was standing on the same spot of Tarmac where two giants of the sport traded blows was an exciting experience.

"Suzuka is very much unfinished business for me. I raced the best I could last year, but our car just wasn't fast enough. This year, I'm holding nothing back – I need a strong result to get my title hopes back on track, and that will be my complete focus from the moment I first sit in the cockpit on Friday morning.

"Now is not the time to hold back; now is the time to fight."

Martin Whitmarsh - Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes: "The bald facts show that we've only managed to get one car to the finish of each of the last four grands prix. While that doesn't make for positive reading, it's perhaps too stark an illustration of our overall competitiveness. And it certainly doesn't reflect the level of dedication and commitment that's come from every single team member.

"We have worked with unstinting focus and dedication throughout this whole season. And our current positions in both the drivers' and constructors' world championships are just the spur we need to raise our game and attack these final four races of the season with real vigour.

"Of course, any team would tell you that it deserves to have scored more points this season, but we've been unusually unfortunate recently. As an organisation, of course, we don't rely on luck – but I'm optimistic in thinking that our fortunes are due a change, and that we can all raise our game as we head into these final four races.

"Perhaps our recent misfortunes are exactly what's needed to strengthen our approach and further narrow our focus. We are on the attack: we know all about taking the fight to the end, and I know I can rely on every single individual within this organisation to make sure we're hitting with absolutely everything we have until the very end of the season."

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Red Bull preview the Japanese GP

Mark Webber: "I'm optimistic we can do well in Japan and the team did well there last year. The momentum is currently with Ferrari going into the race, as they have had two victories on the bounce, but the points situation is still very open. It's nice that I have a little buffer, it's not very big but it's something I would rather have than not. Suzuka is a track that all the drivers love and I'm looking forward to it. I think we will be very competitive; we need to go there and get the maximum out of what we have."

Sebastian Vettel: "Suzuka should suit our car, but we still have to go there and prove it. I think we have a very competitive car this year on all circuits, so we can be confident. Last year was very good and I think we should get a good result again. ferrari has made a step forward in the last couple of races, so they will be strong and don't forget McLaren. There are still a lot of drivers fighting for the title and they are very close to each other, it's tight and a lot of things can still happen. We need to make sure we get the best out of ourselves and then we will see."

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Mercedes preview the Japanese GP

Nico Rosberg:"Suzuka is a great race track and personally I think it is one of the best on the calendar, along with Spa. It is technically challenging, really quick and just a real drivers' circuit which demands the best out of you and the car. The first sector is definitely the highlight of the lap and part of what makes the whole layout so demanding. We've had a decent run of results, considering our performance, with one sixth place and two fifth places so we will be hoping to continue that at Suzuka."

Michael Schumacher: "Suzuka was always one of my favourite circuits of the year as driving the track is simply sensational in parts. Suzuka is technically demanding and has interesting corner combinations so it was a really good feeling when you got it together. I am heading to Japan with some good memories in mind as the track in Suzuka was the scene of some great races for me. Obviously I hope that we can add more and I am definitely up for the challenge. I am sure we will try to get the maximum out of our weekend."

Ross Brawn: "Suzka has hosted some great races over the years and it is one of those tracks that is considered a real classic by drivers and fans alike. The improved circuit and paddock facilities were very impressive last year with the organisers putting on a great show. The last three races have been particularly good for us with regard to our work at the track as a team and our run of points finishes so we will be aiming to continue this trend throughout the final four races."

Norbert Haug: "The layout of the Suzuka circuit is one of the drivers' favorites on the Formula One calendar. This race in Japan is very special and very demanding for the drivers, teams and cars. As in the last races, our target is to score points and to do the best possible job. We know that we are not yet in a position to win but whilst our technical developments are concentrated on next year's car, our team at the track will be fully focused on the last four races of the season."

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Sauber preview the Japanese GP

Kamui Kobayashi: "I am Japanese and therefore the Suzuka round is my home race, although I have not spent too much time in Japan over the last seven years. I was 17-years-old the last time I raced in Japan. Of course I know the circuit quite well after having driven there last year for Toyota in free practice before the Grand Prix. I find the circuit very nice, and I really like every inch of it. It is a challenging track over the entire lap. I think our car will be good in Suzuka. It is very exciting for me to be going there, and I know there will be a lot of supporters. There is a special area for my fans, and the 2000 tickets were sold out quickly. I left for Japan straight after the race in Singapore. Beside the race preparation, the food and the Japanese Spa treatments are something to look forward to."

Nick Heidfeld: "I am really looking forward to the race in Suzuka. It is my favourite of all Formula One circuits and, on what will be my second race weekend with the team, of course I will know a lot more about the car, which should help. On top of that I just love going to Japan. This time I will not be visiting Tokyo, but even Suzuka, where actually there is not much going on, is still the Japan I enjoy. I like the food, the culture and the excitement of the fans. They enjoy the Japanese Grand Prix so much, and this is very nice to see. The Suzuka lap has a very nice flow and a great variety of characteristics. The "Esses" in the first sector are especially beautiful. If you get these S corners right it is incredible fun."

Technical Director James Key: "It's great to go to Suzuka, which is Kamui's home race. It's a personal favourite of mine as well. I have some fond memories from past events, and the atmosphere there is excellent. I'm sure Kamui will have a lot of support from his fans. As far as the track is concerned, it's a favourite with the drivers and teams. It's one of those high speed circuits with a lot of high speed corners and sharp changes of direction. It's quite technical, and it's a good challenge for the drivers and the engineers to set up the car. I'm hoping it's a circuit which suits our car better than recent ones, but you never know until you get there. Hopefully it will be a little easier to find a good balance on Friday. As far as the car is concerned, we are taking the updates we've had in Singapore. We will do further work on them to try and get more out of them in Suzuka, which is a slightly more normal circuit than Singapore. Also we will have a few additional new items which we will test on Friday."

MIKA: Here's hoping Kobayashi does alot better than Takuma Sato did in his home races!

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Branson staying in Formula One

Richard Branson insists he will continue to back the Virgin Racing Formula One team in 2011 despite rumours suggesting he could withdrew his support.

Having sponsored the Championship-winning Brawn GP outfit in 2009, Branson opted to back a new team this season with Virgin Racing entering F1 as one of three new outfits on the grid.

However, 2010 has not been a particularly successful campaign for Virgin Racing, who have been dogged with reliability problems that have hampered their quest to be the best of the newbies.

This has also led to rumours that Branson could withdraw his backing as the billionaire has refused to commit to the team, although now says he will continue to support Virgin Racing in 2011.

"Yes, for sure," he told Autosport when asked whether Virgin would continue to back the team.

"It's been a fun season and we've still got to beat Lotus, and have a few more races to do it. Nick Wirth (technical director) is back in the factory working on the car for next season, and I think we've made a good start anyway."

He added: "I suspect these guys seem to be doing quite well on sponsorship for next year and if they do that, then more space will be taken up by outside sponsor. But that is a positive thing.

"We obviously hope to be able to keep Virgin on the back of the car but ultimately it is up to these guys how many sponsors they get."

Branson also insisted that he is happy with how the team's inaugural season in Formula One has panned out.

"As I said at the beginning of the season, we knew we were going to be the underdogs again, and we went into it with our eyes open and it is fun building a new team from scratch," he said.

"I think the team are delivering what they have promised on reliability and so on. The amount of money this team is spending is maybe £20 million less than Lotus. So to be almost matching them car for car is great, and our reliability has been better."

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Renault drum up interest in Korean GP

Renault did their part for the Korean GP when Jerome D'Ambrosio put their R29 through a demonstration run on the streets of Seoul.

D'Ambrosio drove last year's R29 on a specially constructed 0.5km circuit along Se Jong Road in central Seoul, while a huge crowd lined the streets.

While donuts, burnouts and a display of the car's power were the order of the day, it was perhaps topped by a special V8 rendition of the South Korean National Anthem.

"Today has been a lot of fun. It's my first time here in Seoul, and my first time driving an F1 car on city streets," said the Belgian.

"It's always exciting to visit a new country, especially a place like South Korea, which is getting ready for its first grand prix.

"You could really feel the enthusiasm the public already have for Formula 1 and I'm sure it will be the same for the race.

"I did my best to put on a good show for the fans and I hope everybody enjoyed seeing the car."

The inaugural Korean Grand Prix, which will take place in Yeongam, is scheduled for 24 October subject to a FIA track inspection on 11 October.

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Now Lauda is backing Alonso

Although Niki Lauda was backing Sebastian Vettel for the World title, after back-to-back wins he has switched his allegiance to Fernando Alonso.

A run of two victories in two races has seen Alonso emerge as Mark Webber's closest rival for the Drivers' title with the duo separated by just 11 points in Webber's favour.

They, however, are not the only contenders as Lewis Hamilton, Vettel and Jenson Button are still in the running, although they face a tough task ahead as all three are more than 20 points off the pace with just 100 still to play for.

And, as Lauda points out, it could be even less than that with the Korean GP in doubt.

"Simply because Alonso is currently the strongest driver," Lauda told the Osterreich newspaper when asked for his thoughts on the title race.

"With his skills, he can race in the decisive phase of the battle with Webber for the last points."

As for the other three in the title race, the triple World Champion said: "The others have, I fear, no chance, especially if, as it seems, the Korean Grand Prix doesn't take place."

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Petrov: Why choose Kimi over me?

Vitaly Petrov can't quite see a reason why Renault would want to replace him with Kimi Raikkonen, after all, he costs a lot less than the Finn.

Raikkonen could return to Formula One next season with Renault, having enquired about the team's second race-seat alongside Robert Kubica.

However, already the team has stated that finances will play a role in deciding whether the former World Champ is worth the massive salary they would have to pay him.

And that, Petrov says, is his trump card.

"Why would Renault choose Kimi rather than me?" Petrov asked Formule1.nl.

"The team knew when they started with me that I'm a rookie, I am still learning the ropes.

"The team is negotiating with several drivers, that's how it works in Formula 1. I feel that they are satisfied with me, though."

He added: "An advantage in my case; compared to Kimi they do not have to pay me that much."

MIKA: IMO, Petrov has done great as a rookie and I can see him being a great driver in the next couple years provided he doesn't fall into another "Lesser" team than Renault such as lets see....HRT, VIRGIN.

Added to this, sure, Kimi is experienced, a world champion with the potential for more, but what I have against Kimi is that he isn't in F1 for driving, he's in it for the money as even in his last season, the make or break were the finances.

Petrov has skills and should be given at least another season to show his potential. Petrov also as far as I can see, is genuineley well mannered, pleaseant with the media unlike Kimi who could never get a word out due to sheer arrogance. I say all this and I am a Kimi fan.

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Alguersuari: A real driver's circuit

Jaime Alguersuari is determined to follow up his strong qualifying performance in Singapore with another in Japan - and hopefully this time nothing will go wrong.

Alguersuari qualified P11 for the Singapore night race, his best showing on a Saturday this season. But it went horribly wrong when a mechanic's error resulted in him starting from the pit lane.

Unfortunately for the Toro Rosso driver from there it turned out to be the "most boring" race of his career, as he has previously called it, and he finished outside the points.

The Spaniard, though, is determined to repeat at least his qualifying performance this weekend in Japan, confident that Toro Rosso's recent upgrades can ensure he does just that - and scores points.

"Time flies by quickly as the season heads for its finish and I can't wait for the next race, because I felt I made a significant step forward in Singapore," he told the team's website.

"I came away from that race feeling I can improve still more in Suzuka, where I expect we should again be able to qualify well. That will not be just down to me, but also to the car, thanks to the developments introduced since Monza.

"The team did a good job getting all the evolutions and upgrades integrated into the car for Singapore and I think we can get even more out of it this weekend.

"Suzuka is definitely one of the best tracks of the year, a real driver's circuit, with high speed corners, heavy braking points and places where you can overtake.

"I had been to Japan in 2005 for a karting event and I enjoyed my F1 debut there last year, even if it was a bit complicated because I didn't always stay on the track!

"Once again, qualifying will be the key to having a good race and, as usual, my aim is to bring home some points on Sunday afternoon."

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Branson: Blue flags should be scrapped

Richard Branson has joined the call for blue flags to be scrapped, forcing those at the front to put some effort into lapping backmarkers.

Earlier this season, Lotus Racing team owner Tony Fernandes said he would like to see drivers have to work at overtaking, instead of having backmarkers just move aside when the blue flags are waved.

"Drivers are paid to overtake, whether they are back markers or at the front," he said. "I think it would be good for the sport to get rid of blue flags. In the days of Ken Tyrrell, he would never let any car pass."

This is a sentiment echoed by Branson, whose Virgin company is the title sponsor of another backmarker outfit, Virgin Racing.

"It would be a lot more fun if they didn't have blue flags," Branson told Autosport. "I am sure some of the more established teams would not like it, but it is a racing track and they should not have to be told to pull over.

"If that is what Tony is saying, I definitely agree with him. It doesn't sound like racing - and it makes a bit of a mockery of the sport."

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Kubica wary of testing times ahead

Robert Kubica admits that the closing stages of the season will not be easy for his Renault team.

The French team have surpassed expectations this year, with Robert Kubica picking up three podium finishes.

However, the Pole is not particularly optimistic about the team's chances for the remainder of the season.

"Of course, we will try our best, but I don't think the end of the season will necessarily be the easiest one for us," explained Kubica.

"We do not have big new developments coming, so it will depend a lot on how much development other people bring to the car. This will have a big influence on where we end up and how good our end to the season will be."

Looking ahead to this weekend's race at Suzuka, Kubica is fully aware of the challenges that the track presents but is looking forward to facing them head on.

"It's hard, it's the most challenging circuit and it's very, very fast. If you count the number of really high-speed corners, taken in fourth gear or above, I think it's the most of any circuit on the calendar," said the 25-year-old.

"The first sector is incredible: the Esses are like a rollercoaster, flipping the g-forces from side to side through very long corners, and it's tough to keep the correct line, especially because if you make a mistake in one corner, you carry it for a long time through the next corners.

Plus, there are a couple of low-speed corners, and the chicane where you have very heavy braking and it's possible to overtake," he added.

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Lotus switch to Red Bull gearboxes

Lotus have announced that they will use Red Bull gearboxes and hydraulics systems next season.

The team have used Xtrac gearboxes and hydraulics this year but have decided to make the switch ahead of their second season in F1.

"The announcement that we have reached a multi-year agreement with Red Bull Technology for the supply of our gearboxes and hydraulics from 2011 is obviously a massive step forward for us, both in engineering terms, and as an expression of our ambitions for next year and for future championships," said Mike Gascoyne, Lotus' technical chief.

"The gearbox / hydraulics package obviously plays a critical role in the performance of the car, not just on track but in design and packaging terms, and this deal gives our design and aero teams a very exciting platform to work with.

"The removal of the double diffusers in 2011 will allow the whole grid to tighten up the rear bodywork and mechanical structures around the gearbox, and this supply deal will allow us to capitalise on that with our 2011 car. Exciting times lie ahead."

Red Bull boss Christain Horner echoed Gascoyne's excitement about the partnership.

"We are very pleased about Lotus Racing's decision to use Red Bull Technology gearboxes and hydraulic systems from 2011," added Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner.

"The fact that Red Bull Technology has been chosen to be a supplier to another team despite its short history demonstrates how much we have achieved since our first season. We very much look forward to working with Lotus Racing from 2011 onwards."

Lotus are expected to announce later in the week that they will make use of Renault engines next year, having terminated their deal with current suppliers Cosworth.

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'Performance the most important factor'

With speculation growing regarding who will occupy in Renault's second race-seat next season, team principal Eric Boullier insists that performance not money is the key factor in the decision.

Vitaly Petrov is under pressure to keep his spot at Renault, with the rookie yet to convince the team that he deserves another shot next season. However, while his performances may be poor, the Russian's presence opens up a new market for Renault and F1.

Former World Champion Kimi Raikkonen has contacted the team about a possible drive next season, and the Finn would certainly bring more marketing potential than Petrov, but Boullier insists that performance not marketing value will be the most important factor in making a decision.

"Vitaly has to show us in the four remaining races that he is the man we can hand over our second cockpit to in 2011 to follow our self-defined goal," Boullier told the official Formula One website.

"If he fails to convince us he will not drive our car. If he satisfies us we will keep him. But we don't put pressure on ourselves when it comes to our full driver line-up for 2011.

"I know that a Russian driver would be appreciated and Russia holds a huge potential for all companies present in Formula One. However, for us the performance of a driver is still the first criteria - and then the passport.

"Performance clearly wins over marketing potential because if a driver doesn't deliver then the marketing potential is also limited. You must never put the cart before the horse, or at least we don't. For a French driver the nationality would similarly not smooth his way into the cockpit if he was lacking performance.

"Regarding Kimi, I would have to speak personally with him first, look him in the eyes to see if I see enough motivation there for him to return to Formula One. It doesn't make sense to hire somebody - even a former World Champion - if you cannot be sure that his motivation is still one hundred percent. Why should you invest in somebody who leaves you guessing?" the Frenchman added.

While other teams making changes to their line-ups are beginning to confirm their signings, Boullier admits that waiting to make a decision is not ideal but that the team would not be rushed into making a move.

"That's the risk, but that's part of the game," he explained.

"If a driver thinks that he cannot wait that long - but we are not ready for a decision - then we will not come together. Above all I want the best for my team."

The team principal did however confirm that the team would not wait until next year to name their second driver.

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Brawn: Our focus is on next season

Ross Brawn insists that Mercedes GP are not interested in fighting for fourth place with Renault, with their focus firmly on next year.

The Brackley-based team currently find themselves in fourth spot in the Constructors' standings, 35 points ahead of Renault with four races remaining. However, Brawn reveals that the team are not concerned about fighting for fourth spot.

"We are all very competitive, we want to stay ahead of Renault," explained Brawn.

"There is no doubt that we would all be very disappointed if we fall behind Renault but we have an agenda which is to be much stronger next year - and if you said to me do you want to be much stronger next year and forget about Renault this year then I would say yes.

"Whether we are fourth or fifth quite frankly isn't where we want to be, I don't want to be fifth, don't get me wrong but we will do everything we can, but that is everything we can that doesn't affect the efforts going into next year's car."

Brawn has praised the contribution of Nico Rosberg to the team. The young German began his spell with Merc amidst suggestions that his team-mate, Michael Schumacher, would not only be favoured by the team, but would also outperform him.

However, this has proved to not be the case, with Rosberg consistently finishing ahead of the seven-time World Champion, and the Briton insists that Rosberg also receives the same treatment as Schumacher.

"I wasn't sure where Nico would be, and I delighted with the performance that Nico is producing within the team and really it was there from the very beginning," said Brawn

"Now he is starting to work more effectively with the engineers and the technicians and organisation, because he has only worked at one F1 team before he worked for us.

"Nico will tell you he was a bit concerned coming into the team because of my relationship with Michael, the history, but he is comfortable with the way things have gone.

"I am very pleased with Nico we know we want to see some progress with Michael, it is not there yet - but you see snapshots of his performance and we need to put everything together. I am optimistic than next year we will have a better package generally, but a package that Michael will find a bit easier to use," he added.

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Sauber signs 20-year-old Perez for 2011

The Sauber team has today confirmed it has signed up 20-year-old Mexican, Sergio Perez, for the 2011 season. He will line-up alongside Kamui Kobayashi.

The deal comes as the team also announced a partnership with Telmex, the telecommunications company owned by Carlos Slim - the worlds wealthiest person.

Perez took second in this years GP2 championship and says his dreams have come true now that he has managed to secure a place on the 2011 F1 grid.

"Formula 1 is the dream of every young racing driver and now this dream is about to come true for me," said Perez.

"Although I'm very much aware that this is also a big challenge and responsibility, I'm happy to accept that and am proud to be representing my country in the highest category of motor racing.

"I would like to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he's shown in me and I'll do everything I can to make the most of this wonderful opportunity."

Peter Sauber, team principal added: "Sergio has been on a continuous upward curve over the past few years. He demonstrated his fighting spirit in races over the course of last season and proved that he's ready to take the step up into Formula 1.

"I look forward to working with him and am in no doubt that, in Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi, we will have a strong driver pairing."

Slim's Telmex company will feature predominantly on the Sauber cars next year, as the billionaire looks to strenghten his ties with F1.

"Sauber has been not only a very successful racing team but also a strong talent developer of some of the most recognised names in racing since their early stages as well as one of the most respected people in the sport," said Carlos Slim Domit, the eldest son of Slim.

"Their decision of having Sergio with them is very significant on his career to become a top driver representing Mexico. For Telmex and our racing project Escuderia Telmex it's a great step forward, and we feel very proud to be able to consolidate these years of work for having a Mexican driver in F1 with Sauber Motorsport."

Peter Sauber also commented on the partnership: "Telmex has been involved in motor sport for a number of years already and supports drivers in various race series. Now they are making the key step up into the top category of motor racing, and we are happy and proud that they are taking this step with us.

"Telmex is an outstanding company and represents a strong partner for our team. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership."

With Kobayashi having last month already secured a contract extension for 2011, the news of Perez’s arrival will mean team stalwart Nick Heidfeld will again have to look elsewhere for a race seat next season.

Heidfeld signed a contract to rejoin Sauber for the final five races of this season after the team dropped Pedro de la Rosa.

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Japanese Grand Prix preview

We're now at the stage in this glorious title battle where every weekend is a potentially massive game-changer and there's no such thing as a forgettable grand prix.

For the illustrious quintet still at each other's throats in the points table, every race coming up is a chance to potentially make a break, to drag themselves back into contention - or to be cast adrift.

With grand drama like this, you ideally want a spectacular setting, and that's what Suzuka provides for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

From the high-speed sweep of the first turn, through the rapid snake of s-bends, the tightening challenge of Spoon and the bravery-rewarding 130R, the track provides constant challenge and entertainment for the drivers.

And with several of its run-off areas smaller than you'd find at the latest circuits, it punishes errors too - as Toro Rosso's pile of mangled parts from last year's event proved, its rookie drivers having got a little carried away.

For a while in the last decade, it looked like Suzuka had been lost to Formula 1.

During the sport's boom years, Toyota pumped millions into turning its Fuji track into a modern F1 venue, and it was given the Japanese GP at the outdated but adored Suzuka's expense.

Fuji was never going to capture the imagination like Suzuka, but it was Toyota's waning interest in F1 that led to it vanishing again after just two years, as first an arrangement was made for the two Japanese tracks to alternate the race, then Toyota pulled the plug completely and took Fuji with it, leaving Suzuka back as F1's permanent Japanese home.

Lewis Hamilton - the title contender under the most pressure right now following back-to-back zero scores - instantly fell in love with Suzuka when he first tried it last year, though the difficult 2009 McLaren wasn't the ideal vehicle for him to do anything heroic there, so he had to settle for a podium.

It's been a significant venue in many other drivers' F1 stories though.

Jenson Button's fifth place on the grid there in his rookie season was regarded as one of the finest drives of his ultra-impressive debut year, as he immediately got up to speed on his first sight of its demanding curves.

It was also the track where, in 2005, Fernando Alonso reminded the world of his courage, after a year of stealth on the way to his first title, by passing Michael Schumacher around the outside of the 130R in one of the boldest moves of all time.

One year later, in less spine-tingling circumstances, Schumacher's engine failure and Alonso's victory at Suzuka set the Spaniard up for championship number two.

Momentum is currently on Alonso's side, but though Ferrari ought to be in the hunt at Suzuka - and McLaren is sure it will be too despite trailing a little in Singapore - this is seen as emphatically a Red Bull track.

Suzuka's fast corners give the Red Bull ample chance to do what it does best, and last year Sebastian Vettel was unstoppable.

The same again would do nicely for the German, whose second place in Singapore was good news for his title bid, but not quite good enough.

While Vettel celebrated at Suzuka last year, Mark Webber could only kick himself for the practice crash that ruled him out of qualifying, and early problems in the race meant he couldn't even charge through the field to salvage a result.

The championship leader therefore has a point to prove and if Red Bull is just as quick in Japan this season, he will want to show what could have been in 2009.

Dominance by one team is fairly common at Suzuka - there's only so much that can be achieved by hustling a less-than-competitive machine on a track this aerodynamically-demanding, so if someone turns up with an unstoppable car, they will tend to run away with the race.

Overtaking isn't as easy as it could be either, though it certainly isn't impossible, as the incredible 2005 race - with its inside-out grid and back-to-front victory by Kimi Raikkonen - proved.

That event became a thriller thanks to rain in qualifying being followed by a dry race, which is a strangely common occurrence at Suzuka, where wet races rarely seem to happen, but practice and qualifying often see a deluge.

That was the case last year, when a Friday washout preceded a dry weekend, and had history gone a little differently, his 23 laps of a sodden Suzuka in Friday practice might have been all the F1 world ever saw of Kamui Kobayashi.

Toyota had called him up for practice after Timo Glock fell ill (suggestions that the illness had been invented to give Toyota a chance to keep Japan happy by running its test driver for part of his home grand prix weekend were abruptly dismissed by the team), but he had to hand the car back to the German on Saturday.

Then Glock's qualifying crash left Toyota requiring a substitute driver for Brazil and Abu Dhabi, Kobayashi was brought in again, and his ragged but rapid, hard-charging style made him a cult hero and a dead cert for a full-time 2010 drive - which turned out to be with Sauber after Toyota's exit.

Kobayashi can't call on too much local knowledge, like Japan's last F1 hero Takuma Sato, the vast majority of his racing education came from the European junior scene, but he is likely to get a lift from the crowd, who love to get behind their home heroes.

Sato had some moments of brilliance at Suzuka, and also some reckless escapades as he tried too hard to please his fans, and Kobayashi is equally capable of starring or crashing.

But expect an emotional reception if he does take a big result of any kind, for while the always-respectful and enthusiastic Japanese crowd will cheer for whichever of the title contenders collects 25 vital points this Sunday, there's nothing they love more than a local boy doing something remarkable.

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Mystery surrounds HRT line-up

It is not yet known who will race for Hispania at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The team have played musical chairs with their drivers, with Bruno Senna, Karun Chandok, Sakon Yamamoto and Christian Klein all turning out for Spanish outfit at some stage.

Senna and Klien - the team's official reserve driver - raced last time out in Singapore, but it is unclear who will take to the track in Japan after the team's traditional pre-race preview failed to include any driver quotes.

In the past the team have released a preview with quotes from the two drivers set to race and team principal Colin Kolles, however, ahead of the Japanese GP there was only a contribution from Kolles.

"After an unfortunate result at the Singapore Grand Prix, Hispania Racing, HRT F1 Team is looking forward to the next race in Japan, where it will race for the first time. The Spanish team is eager to keep on improving and showing another positive performance," the team statement read.

Kolles added that team "want to bring both cars to the finish line again."

Approached for comment on the situation by Motorsport Total, Kolles said the team were hoping to run with their 'regular' drivers, Senna and Yamamoto.

However, when push for a definitive answer regarding who would be racing, Kolles responded: "You never know what can happen. What happens if someone breaks a leg?"

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Former Lotus boss Warr passes away

Former Lotus team boss Peter Warr died at the age of 72 on Monday.

Warr, who joined Lotus Cars in 1958 as a salesman, was appointed team manager by founder Colin Chapman at the end of the 1969 season and he worked for the outfit for seven years.

He helped mastermind the World Championships of Jochen Rindt and Emerson Fittipaldi in 1970 and 1972 respectively and also worked with Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna in their early days.

Warr took over as team principal when Chapman died in 1982 and remained with Lotus until 1989.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone paid tribute to Warr.

"Not only have I lost a good friend who was the Team Manager for Lotus when Colin Chapman ran the company but Peter Warr, who died yesterday of a heart attack will be missed by the thousands of people that knew him," he said in a statement on the official F1 website.

"When Peter was in Formula One he helped me to build it to what it is today."

Lotus Racing team principal Tony Fernandes described Warr as someone with "knowledge, spirit and passion for Lotus".

"Peter was a great supporter of our racing aspirations and it was fantastic to meet someone with such knowledge, spirit and passion for Lotus and for our sport," said Fernandes.

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Williams to run final upgrades at Suzuka

Williams will head to Japan with their final upgrades for the 2010 season.

The Grove-based outfit are involved in a tight tussle with Force India foe seventh spot in the Constructors' standings, with Williams currently trailing Vijay Mallya's outfit by four points.

The team will include their final upgrades for the season at Suzuka and technical director Sam Michael is hopeful they'll have the desired effect.

"Both cars will be running our final upgrade components and we expect to run them all weekend," Michael explained.

"Our target will be for both FW32s to be fighting for points among the top eight contenders and to therefore be racing for points."

Suzuka is a favourite among many in the racing fraternity and Michael is no different, believing it shows what a driver is made of.

"Suzuka is a high downforce circuit with a figure of eight layout. The track has it all, but one of its highlights is the fantastic Esses section.

"Being able to deliver a strong sector time across that part of the lap is one of the best indicators of a driver's ability," he added.

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Bell steps down as Renault MD

Renault have restructured their management team following Bob Bell's departure from the Enstone-based outfit.

The French manufacturer confirmed on Wednesday that Bell has stepped down as managing director and he will be replaced by Eric Boullier with immediate effect.

Renault chairman Gerard Lopez praised Bell, who has been with the team since 1987, for the role he played in recent months.

"We would like to thank Bob Bell for his contribution to the performance of the team and for helping see us through a period of transition since Genii Capital became a shareholder in the Renault F1 team," he said.

"We are entrusting the post of managing director to Eric Boullier and we have every confidence that, under his leadership, we will achieve our racing objectives.

"Throughout the 2010 season, we have been assessing what is required to continue improving our level of competitiveness and we believe we are well positioned for the challenges ahead."

Boullier, who will double up as team principal, says he will strive to return the team to the front of the grid.

"Since the beginning of the season, the Renault F1 team has demonstrated its ability to react to a need for change," he said.

"The results of the tremendous efforts made have been immediately apparent on the race track. Today, we have a competitive car and an incredibly motivated team.

"I am proud of the trust being placed in me to continue this good work, and I will make every effort to ensure the Renault F1 team returns to the front of the grid as soon as possible."

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Weather to spice up title race further?

The unpredictable weather in Suzuka could play a crucial role in the outcome of the Japanese GP as showers are expected over the course of the race weekend.

With only 25 points separating the top five drivers in the Drivers' Championship, the title contenders know they can't afford to slip up should conditions be slippery at the Suzuka circuit.

According to the BBC's weather forecasts, sunny intervals are expected for the first practice session on Friday, but the heavens will open up later at night.

The wet trend will continue on Saturday and heavy showers are expected both during the day for qualifying and in the evening. Things will improve on race day and we should have clear skies for race day.

However, while the Beeb predict that the sun will be out on Sunday, other sites claim showers are possible during the day. We suppose that's why it's called unpredictable weather.

The weather has caused havoc in a couple of Japanese Grands Prix in recent years.

The start of the 2007 race at Fuji was delayed due to torrential rain and when proceedings finally got underway the cars started behind the safety car.

In 2005 at Suzuka Toyota's Ralf Schumacher scored an unlikely pole position and top drivers like Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher all started close to the back of the grid following rain during qualifying.

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Updates galore for McLaren at Suzuka

McLaren will take the whole shebang to Suzuka as they look to get their Championship ambitions back on track.

There are fears that the team are losing touch with Ferrari and Red Bull after Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton failed to match the pace of their rivals in Singapore.

In an attempt to get back up to speed, the team will take a new rear wing - among other things - to Singapore, according to managing director Jonathan Neale.

"We are taking a reasonable-sized package to Suzuka: front wing upgrades, we've got a new rear wing and various aerodynamic details," he said during a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes phone-in.

"What we've got is a big test package for Friday when we should be in a better position to say what we're going to run in it. We're taking everything we took to Singapore and some more to Japan."

Neale also denied that they are the "third force" behind Red Bull and Ferrari in the battle for the Championship.

"I don't see it like that," he said. "I do think that looking at our performance in Hungary that we were going to have a bit of a challenge going into Singapore. When we locked out the second row of the grid we thought that was fantastic. "

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Kimi: I won't drive for Renault next year

Renault fans' hopes of seeing Kimi Raikkonen drive for the team are dead in the water after the former World Champion confirmed that he will not sign for them next year.

Raikkonen was thought to be interested in returning to F1 with the French manufacturer after team principal Eric Boullier revealed that "he is on the radar because he contacted them".

Boullier earlier this week told the official Formula One website that they were flattered by Raikkonen's interest as "it shows that the work we've done this season is noticed and that we are considered a challenger for the Championship in the future".

He also reiterated that the Finn contacted them and added that he "would have to speak personally with him [Raikkonen] first, look him in the eyes to see if I see enough motivation there for him to return to Formula 1".

Raikkonen, though has finally broken his silence and slammed Renault for using his name for their own purposes.

"I am very disappointed with the way they have used my name for their own marketing," he told Finland's Turun Sanomat.

"I have never seriously considered driving for Renault, and I can assure you one hundred percent that I will not drive for Renault next year."

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Force India: We have a seat available for 2011

Force India CEO Otmar Szafnauer, has confirmed that the team are looking for a replacement driver for one of their seats, after openly admitting that "there is a seat available [for 2011]."

Recent rumours have suggested that Adrian Sutil could move to Mercedes if Michael Schumacher chooses to retire for a second time, however with the seven-time world champion adamantly denying such reports, the move looks unlikely.

The more likely situation is the replacement of Vitantonio Liuzzi. The Italian currently lies 34 points behind his German conterpart.

Despite this gap, Szafnauer praised the performances of both drivers, blaming bad luck for many of their misgivings.

"They have done a decent job," he told Autosport. "They have both had some good races; they have both had some not so good races. But I think overall they are both competent drivers, and had bad luck in some instances - but also some really good races in others.

"Tonio sometimes did not qualify well, but has raced well. And Adrian sometimes had the likes of Lewis Hamilton behind him for 15 laps and held him off. So I think they have done a good job."

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President: Massa is not Ferrari's No2

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has handed Felipe Massa a vote of confidence ahead of the Japanese GP, insisting he "is and will always stay a number one driver."

Massa has been firmly put in the shade by team-mate Fernando Alonso this season and trails the Spaniard by 63 points heading into the year's final four races.

The Brazilian's standing in the team was called into question when he was forced to cede victory to Alonso in July's German Grand Prix, but results since then have more than justified the Scuderia's controversial decision.

Back-to-back wins in Italy and Singapore have vaulted Alonso into second place in the Championship standings, just 11 points down on Red Bull's Mark Webber.

Massa's role as wing man to Alonso during the final races of the campaign could be crucial to the outcome of the title race, and di Montezemolo has backed the 29-year-old to do a professional job.

"It's an important time and I'm sure that everyone will give everything they have in order to achieve our objectives," said di Montezemolo.

"Felipe is and will always stay a number one driver for Ferrari. I expect the performances of a number one driver from him - both in the next four races and... next year.

"Those will be crucial to bring us wins next season and to take important points from our opponents in the battle for this World Championship."

Di Montezemolo is not in Japan for this weekend's race at Suzuka but spoke to his drivers via telephone on Wednesday and is confident the team is geared towards a good result come Sunday.

"Fernando sounded very focused and determined, just like the whole team," he added on Ferrari's official website.