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F1 LIVE | FP1 for the Japanese Grand Prix 2023 in Suzuka
Just under a week after the Singapore Grand Prix, the Formula 1 drivers are already at the start of the next race weekend. The first free practice for the Japanese Grand Prix is on the schedule at the Suzuka Circuit. All the action on and around Suzuka can be followed live via our live blog.
LIVE | First free practice Japanese Grand Prix
After a difficult F1 weekend in Singapore, it is expected that Red Bull Racing will be the team to beat 'as usual'. In addition, the Austrian racing team can secure the constructors' title in Japan, something for which the team of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will be extra motivated given the close ties with Honda.
Red Bull is therefore looking for revenge, but Carlos Sainz's victory in Singapore will leave Ferrari wanting more. The Italian racing team may again have to compete with Mercedes and McLaren, who also performed strongly at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
On Friday, a glimpse of the balance of power in Suzuka may be revealed. This is provided it remains dry because a wet FP1 and FP2 will most likely not be representative for the rest of the weekend.
The Suzuka circuit
The Japanese track is well-known worldwide for its layout, made of a thrilling sequence of fast left-hand turns and some iconic corners like the Spoon Curve and the famous 130R. This makes Suzuka one of the most complete circuits on the calendar, where aerodynamics, mechanics and power unit all make the difference around a single lap. Over the race, the tyres (especially the fronts) are really stressed, so that's another factor teams need to manage. Finding the right set-up is, therefore, crucial to have a clean weekend, so let’s see which choices have been made by the teams this year.