Grand Prix > 2006 Grand Prix > Grand Prix of Japan
Rd17. Grand Prix of Japan
grand prix
Will Panasonic Toyota Racing capture a spot on the podium at our home-country GP?   track information

The Suzuka Circuit International Racing Course in Mie Prefecture's Suzuka City plays host to the Japanese Grand Prix. Traditionally held toward the end of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix quite often determines the F1 world champion. The course is laid out in a unique figure eight pattern, running clockwise and then counterclockwise out of the hairpins. The key to fast lap times is whether the driver can skillfully maneuver through the S curves in an effective right rhythm. The Suzuka Circuit International Racing Course is a technical track, demanding a consistently high degree of technique from the drivers.

 
Japanese Grand Prix - Preview
02.10.06
With the 2006 Formula 1 season rapidly approaching its finale, Panasonic Toyota Racing will this weekend enjoy its home race, the Japanese Grand Prix. more..
Suzuka International Racing Course
www.suzukacircuit.com
address : 7992 Ino-Cho, Suzuka-shi, Mie-ken, Japan
tel : (+81) 59 378 1111
fax : (+81) 59 378 0163
lap
distance		 : 5.807 km
race distance : 307.573 km
number of laps : 53
2006 race schedule
date

local time

  
6 October, 2006 (Fri) 11:00 - 12:00
 Practice Session 1
14:00 - 15:00 Practice Session 2
7 October, 2006 (Sat) 11:00 - 12:00 Practice Session 3
14:00 - qualifying
8 October, 2006 (Sun) 14:00 - race
2005 grand prix

The eighteenth race of the season last year, the Japanese Grand Prix was held on October 9, 2005. With some help from the weather, Ralf was able to capture P1 at qualifying. Unfortunately, Jarno suffered from a spin out during his time attack, sending him off the course, and leaving him to start the race at the back of the grid. We selected a three-stop strategy for Ralf. Immediately after the start, Ralf, who had a light fuel load, shot out from the pack, gaining increased separation. Unfortunately, the safety car came out, completely ruining Ralf's advantage, and he fell in position during subsequent pit stops. During the ninth lap, Jarno came into contact with another car in the chicane, and was forced to retire from the race. Ultimately, Ralf finished 8th, holding on long enough to secure one point for Panasonic Toyota Racing.
race
pos.

Driver

Team
1 K. Raikkonen West Mclaren Mercedes
2 G. Fisichella

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team
3 F. Alonso Mild Seven Renault F1 Team
8 R. Schumacher Panasonic Toyota Racing
DNF J. Trulli Panasonic Toyota Racing
 
fastest lap:
K.Raikkonen (1:31.540)
qualifying
pos.

Driver

Team
1 R. Schumacher Panasonic Toyota Racing
2 J. Button Lucky Strike BAR Honda
3 G. Fisichella Mild Seven Renault F1 Team
19 J. Trulli Panasonic Toyota Racing