The 2009 Japanese Grand Prix Thread

[Ed]

Grand Prix Preview (courtesy: The FIA) - For team previews visit the 2009 F1 Team Reports Forum

Round 15 of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship returns to the Suzuka Circuit, Japan, having been held at the Fuji Circuit in 2007 and 2008. Located on the southeast coast of the island of Honshu, Suzuka is a favourite circuit amongst drivers.

Designed by Dutch designer John Hugenholtz, the long and varied circuit combines several high-speed corners and a tight hair pin. It comprises 18 turns, eight left and 10 right, which are laid out on a figure of eight track. The Suzuka Circuit is renowned for corners such as the 130R and the Dunlop Curve which test tyre performance, traction and grip levels.

The track is also renowned for its “esses”, a series of high-speed corners, which demand precision in order to achieve fluidity and good lap times. Good vehicle aero efficiency and car stability will be necessary for drivers to be able to change direction with precision. The circuit has a reputation for close racing and engine power and good braking will be key elements for teams to consider in preparation for the race.

SUZUKA CIRCUIT– GRAPHICS



CHANGES TO THE CIRCUIT SINCE 2006

- The pit exit has been realigned to join the track after the first corner.

- Asphalt has been laid in parts of the run-off area around the outside of turns 1 and 2.

- The track has been resurfaced between turns 17 and 7.

- The barrier on the driver’s right before turn 1 has been moved further from the track.

- The barrier on the driver’s right between turns 6 and 7 has been moved some six metres further from the track.

- The tyre barrier around the outside of turn 1 has had an additional conveyor belt inserted behind the first two rows.

SUZUKA CIRCUIT – INTERESTING FACTS

There have been several modifications and improvements to the Suzuka Circuit since the last race in 2006 including:

- modification and expansion of the grandstand, improvement of the stand areas,

- construction of the pit building and team offices, expansion and enlargement of the paddock, enlargement of the run-off areas and a reworking of the track surface.

- A lap of the track begins with a fast 7th gear bend that tightens to lead into a series of fast S-bends.

- The track is famous for its Spoon Curve, the 130R, Casio Triangle and Chicane bends.

- The track is situated in the middle of Suzuka Land, a leisure park built in 1962.

- The circuit features a Traffic Education Centre specialising in traffic training and education to assist and encourage the public to become safer and better drivers.


CIRCUIT DATA

Length of lap: 5.807km
Offset:0.300km
Total number of race laps: 53
Total race distance: 307.471km
Speed limits in the pit lane: 60km/h during practice sessions;
100km/h during qualifying and race


FORMULA ONE TIME TABLE

Friday
Practice Session 1: 10.00 - 11.30 hrs
Practice Session 2:14.00 - 15.30 hrs

Saturday
Practice Session 3: 11.00 - 12.00 hrs
Qualifying: 14.00 - 15.00 hrs

Sunday
Race: 14.00 hrs

[Ed]

The Toyota announced this morning that Timo Glock will be replaced by Kamui Kobayashi in practice as the German is feeling unwell.

[Ed]

We will be covering all the practice sessions, qualifying and the race from Japan.

You can follow our coverage live here and we will post the coverage notes after each session here

[Ed]

First Friday practice coverage notes:

9:59 First Friday Practice session about to start. Follow our coverage here from NewsOnF1.com

10:00 The track is wet however it is not raining at the moment

10:01 1st Friday practice session underwway and a few drivers go out in the wet conditions

10:01 Air temperature at Suzuka is 21 degrees while track temperature is at 23 degrees

10:02 Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi is replacing Timo Glock during practice. Glock is suffering from a heavy cold

10:06 Most driver have completed their installation laps

10:08 All drivers have completed their installation laps except for Barrichello

10:10 Barrichello emerges from the pits for his installation lap

10:10 10 minutes into the session and no timed laps yet

10:12 The cars will need to do a fair bit of laps if they are to get a dry line. (Assuming it doesn't rain any more!)

10:16 Kovalainen is back out on the track

10:17 Hamilton on the track as well

10:19 A 1:52.546 for Kovalainen

10:21 A 1:49.730 from Hamilton. Vettel on the track

10:21 Kovalainen improves with a 1:50.973

10:22 Hamilton improves with a 1:46.974

10:25 Vettel moves into second with a 1:48.286. The 2 Ferraris and Grosjean are on the track

10:26 More drivers are on the track track as Raikkonen moves into second with a 1:47.702

10:30 30 minutes into the session and the order is: Hamilton, Raikkonen, Vettel, Fisichella, Kovalainen, Buemi, Grosjean and Alguersuari

10:33 Grosjean moves into second with a 1:47.072

10:34 Alonso goes off one his first timed lap!

10:35 Alonso recovers although he was inches away from touching the barrier!

10:35 The Renault's are very quick in the first sector!

10:36 Alonso goes fastest with a 1:46.152

10:39 Grosjean moves into second with a 1:46.864

10:40 Vettel goes fastest with a 1:43.952! Stunning lap

10:42 A 1:43.218 for Vettel. Now 2 seconds quicker than anyone else!

10:43 Hamilton moves into second with a 1:43.400

10:46 Hamilton goes fastest with a 1:42.642

10:50 Kobayashi goes back out on the track. He is 20th

10:50 Sutil up into second with a 1:43.055

10:51 Nakajima goes fastest with a 1:42.591. This is his home track!

10:57 Kobayashi sets the fastest 1st sector!

11:00 30 minutes remain and the top 10 are: Nakajima, Hamilton, Sutil, Kovalainen, Buemi, Vettel, Rosberg, Kobayashi, Raikkonen & Button

11:02 Sutil who is currently 3rd fastest has only completed 3 flyers!

11:05 Fisichella goes 3rd after setting the fastest middle sector!

11:07 Kovalainen quickest with a 1:42.495

11:09 Romain Grosjean goes off but recovers. He is 19th at the moment

11:09 Adrian Sutil fastest with a 1:41.958! Impressive

11:11 Renault staff wearing almost plain shirts today! Very few sponsors!

11:14 Webber up into 3rd as replay shows Grosjean struggling with his front tyres!

11:14 Kovalainen goes fastest with a 1:41.757! Is he trying to impress!

11:17 15 minutes remain in the frist practice session and it is Kovalainen from Sutil and Webber. Then Nakajima, Hamilton, Liuzzi, Fisichella, Buemi, Vettel and Rosberg

11:19 Cars heading back out for their final run. Times should improve as the track continues to dry

11:19 Raikkonen up into 3rd

11:21 Raikkonen up into second with a 1:41.817

11:23 Hamilton quickest with a 1:41.443 as Fisichella goes off but recovers

11:25 Fisichella up into second with a 1:41.539. Good to see Fisichella up there!

11:25 Now Buemi fastest with a 1:41.437!

11:25 And now Nakajima fastest with a 1:40.729

11:30 Nakajima continues to set fastest times! He certainly feels very much at home on this track

11:30 Session over! Awaiting last timed laps

11:31 Kovalainen goes fastest with a 1:40.356!

11:33 1st Practice session - Top 10: Kovalainen, Nakajima, Sutil, Fisichella, Buemi, Hamilton, Alonso, Raikkonen, Barrichello and Rosberg

11:34 1st Practice session - 11th - 20th: Webber, Liuzzi, Trulli, Alguersuari, Kubica, Heidfeld, Vettel, Button, Kobayashi and Grosjean

11:35 1st Practice session - Most laps by Fisichella and Alguersuari (27 laps each). Least laps by Webber (10) then Vettel (11)

11:36 Second practice coverage on NewsOnF1.com in just under 2 and a half hours from now.

[Ed]

2nd Friday practice session coverage notes:

1:53 Second Friday practice session starting in under 10 minutes. Follow our coverage here on NewsOnF1.com

1:56 The session will again be run under wet conditions!

1:56 Air temperature is at 22 degrees while track temperature is at 23 degrees

1:59 Interesting fact: 9 drivers who are practicing at Suzuka have never raced in F1 here before!

2:01 Session underway and Alguersuari is the only driver out on the (very) wet track

2:02 Buemi joins in the action

2:02 Drivers who haven't raced F1 at Suzuka are: Hamilton, Kovalainen, Vettel, Nakajima, Sutil, Buemi, Alguersuari, Grosjean & (Kobayashi - if he replaces Glock tomorrow)

2:03 Both Toro Rosso drivers return to the pits. It is too wet!

2:06 Alguesuari aquaplaned but managed to catch it! Buemi complaining about 'lots of water'/ It is raining!

2:14 Nearly 15 minutes into the session and there isn't much activity. No timed laps and no cars on the track!

2:20 Checkout the latest on the F1 2010 driver lineup here

2:28 Nearly 30 minutes into the session and still not much activity. No timed laps and no cars on the track!

2:32 The orange colour of ING has gone from the Renault overalls! They actually look better now!!

2:41 The rain continues to fall. No action!

2:44 Halfway into the second practice session and it is still wet, no timed laps and no cars on the track!

2:57 Looks like Grosjean is getting ready to go out!

2:59 [Comment From Hendrik ]
Hello i have a question, do you agree that Raikonen as fin is too much of iceman? [Ed] Maybe!

3:00 Alonso is on the track!

3:03 Alonso pits! Alguersuari goes back out

3:05 Alguersuari is doing a timed lap!

3:05 Grosjean now on the track track

3:06 A 1:56.848 for Alguersuari

3:07 Grosjean pits!

3:08 And Alguersuari pits!

3:09 After nearly 70 minutes into second practice, Alguersuari is fastest! No other times!!

3:13 Alonso back out again! Looks like this time he will go for some times!

3:15 Alonso starts a timed lap

3:16 Grosjean also on track

3:17 A 1:48.693 for Alonso - quickest!

3:18 Heidfeld on the track too

3:19 More drivers join in the action with just over 10 minutes to go

3:20 Grosjean up into second with a 1:50.436

3:21 Alonso pits

3:22 Grosjean improves in second

3:24 With 12 cars on the track, visibility is very poor

3:25 Nakajima now up into second with a 1:49.158

3:25 Now Trulli into second!

3:26 A few drivers are on quick laps!

3:27 Almost at the end of the session and it is Alonso from Trulli and Buemi

3:28 Buemi goes fastest with a 1:48.691

3:28 Now it is Nakajima who is fastest but Sutil is on a quicker lap

3:29 Sutil sets a 1:47.261

3:30 Session over! Awaiting final timed laps

3:32 2nd practice top 10: Sutil, Vette, Luizzi, Hamilton, Nakajima, Buemi, Alonso, Trulli, Alguersuari & Kubica

3:34 2nd practice 11th - 17th: Raikkonen, Kobayashi, Webber, Grosjean, Fisichella, Rosberg & Heidfeld

3:35 2nd practice: Kovalainen, Button and Barrichello didn't set times

3:36 2nd practice: Most laps by Alguersuari with 11 laps then Heidfeld with 10 laps

2nd Friday Practice - Top 10
1. Sutil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:47.261
2. Vettel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:47.923
3. Liuzzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1:47.931
4. Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:47.983
5. Nakajima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:48.058
6. Buemi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:48.691
7. Alonso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:48.693
8. Trulli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:48.737
9. Alguersuari . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 1:48.802
10. Kubica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:48.861

[Ed]

Saturday practice coverage notes:

11:04 Saturday practice session underway - Apologies for the slight delay due to technical issues

11:05 Air and track temperature are at 25 degrees. Conditions are dry!

11:06 A number of cars have gone out and started runs straight away. Trulli is currently fastest ahead of Alonso and Raikkonen

11:08 Fisichella moves into 3rd.

11:09 Raikkonen goes fastest with a 1:33.453

11:10 Alonso back in second with a 1:33.819

11:12 10 minutes into Saturday practice - Order: Raikkonen, Alonso, Trulli, Sutil, Fisichella, Liuzzi, Heidfeld, Grosjean, Button and Rosberg

11:14 Trulli takes second with a 1:33.709

11:17 Trulli quickest with a 1:33.258

11:18 Nearly 20 minutes into the session and Trulli is fastest ahead of Raikkonen and Heidfeld. Vettel and Kubica yet to set times!

11:20 Buemi goes fastest with a 1:33.203!

11:22 One can't read much from this session as this is the only session the teams are running in dry conditions

11:25 Vettel moves into second with a 1:33.108

11:25 Buemi improves again with a 1:32.240!

11:26 For reference, pole time from the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix was a 1:29.599 by Felipe Massa

11:30 Nearly halfway into the session - Top 10: Buemi, Vettel, Sutil, Raikkonen, Kubica, Trulli, Kovalainen, Hamilton, Heidfeld & Alonso

11:31 Glock and Grosjean are currently 19th and 20th. Both are over 2 seconds off the pace

11:34 1.01 seconds separates the top 10 at this stage

11:36 Raikkonen on a quick lap!

11:36 Raikkonen goes second with a 1:32.445

11:37 It lokks like another close qualifying session coming up this afternoon!

11:38 Barrichello up into 4th with a 1:32.603

11:40 Buemi improves further in 1st with a 1:31.771

11:41 20 minutes remain and the top 10 are: Buemi, Raikkonen, Vettel, Kovalainen, Barrichello, Sutil, Alguersuari, Button, Kubica and Webber

11:44 Hamilton moves up into 11th

11:47 Only a few cars on the track at this stage as the teams prepare for their pre-qualifying runs

11:48 The 2 Renault's are currently in 19th and 20th! Doubt that will remain the case in qualifying

11:51 Less than 10 minutes to go and the top 10 are: Buemi, Raikkonen, Barrichello, Vettel, Kovalainen, Sutil, Alguersuari, Heidfeld, Glock and Button

11:53 Final preparations for qualifying are underway!

11:56 Nearly all the cars are on the track!

11:59 Alonso moves up into 10th with a 1:32.742

12:00 [Comment From Danfloyd ]
Webber STOP. noo didnt get to see an improved 2ns sector [Ed] Unfortunately he went off. He is ok and the damage isn't much

12:00 Rosberg moves into second!

12:00 Trulli goes fastest with a 1:31.709

12:01 Session over.

12:03 Top 10: Trulli, Buemi, Rosberg, Vettel, Raikkonen, Sutil, Barrichello, Kovalainen, Button & Alguesuari

12:05 11th - 20th: Grosjean, Heidfeld, Alonso, Glock, Nakajima, Hamilton, Kubica, Fisichella, Webber and Liuzzi

12:07 Most laps by Rosberg (28 ). Least laps by Webber (15 - crashed ) and Liuzzi (18 )

12:09 Trulli and Buemi (1st & 2nd) are over 0.6 seconds quicker than the rest. 3rd and 19th are separated by under 0.6 seconds

12:13 Qualifying coverage from NewsOnF1.com commences in under 2 hours. Coverage at http://www.newsonf1.com/live_coverage-q.htm

Saturday practice - Top 10
1. Trulli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.709
2. Buemi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.771
3. Rosberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1:32.343
4. Vettel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.414
5. Raikkonen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.445
6. Sutil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1:32.467
7. Barrichello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.488
8. Kovalainen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.546
9. Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 1:32.668
10. Alguersuari . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.689

[Ed]

1:47 1st Qualifying session starts in 15 minutes

1:48 The 1st and 2nd practice sessions on Friday were run under wet conditions while the 3rd practice this morning was run under dry conditions giving the teams and drivers just 1 hour to prepare for qualifying and the race!
1:49 Jarno Trulli was fastest in the morning session ahead of Sebastian Buemi and Nico Rosberg
1:50 Mark Webber crashed out in practice and reports indicate that the car sustained significant damage and cannot be repaired prior to qualifying!

1:56 Formula 1 returns to Suzuka after 2 years in Fuji. 8 drivers will be racing here for the first time in Formula 1
1:58 Confirmation that Webber will not take part in qualifying. He will start from the back of the grid tomorrow
1:58 Air temperature at 26 while track temperature is at 40 degrees
1:59 Qualifying is expected to be very close!

2:00 1st qualifying session underway!
2:00 Buemi is the first out on the track followed by Liuzzi
2:01 It is sunny at Suzuka! What a change from yesterday!
2:01 Button on the track!
2:02 Fisichella on the track too
2:03 Buemi is off!! He is into the barrier
2:03 Buemi managed to drive out of the gravel but his car is damaged
2:04 A 1:33.585 for Liuzzi
2:04 Buemi pits. He has 15 minutes to get back out. It will be very unlikely!
2:05 Alguersuari sets a 1:33.124
2:05 16 cars on the track
2:06 Trulli fastest with a 1:31.810. He is on the harder compound
2:06 Everyone on the track expect Webber and Buemi
2:07 Buemi may be able to make it back out!
2:07 7 minutes into the session and it is Trulli from Button and Grosjean
2:08 Vettel now fastest with a 1:31.628
2:09 Trulli goes fastest again with a 1:31.080
2:09 Vettel takes it back with a 1:30.979
2:10 Kovalainen spins, spins, spins and recovers!
2:11 10 minutes into Q1 - Top 10: Vettel, Trulli, Kubica, Glock, Barrichello, Alonso, Button, Raikkonen, Nakajima and Hamilton
2:11 Currently the top 13 are separated by 1 second!
2:12 Fisichella in 18th despite being on the soft compound!
2:13 Hamilton moves into second with a 1:31.056
2:16 Buemi gets back out with less than 5 minutes to go. He could make it into Q2!
2:16 Alonso up into 5th with a 1:31.401
2:17 Raikkonen moves into 5th with a 1:31.339
2:18 Final run in Q1 - Everyone on the track expect Vettel, Webber and Alonso
2:18 Buemi moves into 4th!
2:19 Alonso decides to go back out at the last minute!
2:20 Alonso pits! He is 10th. Kovalainen could be in trouble!
2:21 Kovalainen makes it! He goes 12th
2:22 Q1 Top 10: Vettel, Hamilton, Button, Trulli, Buemi, Raikkonen, Barrichello, Rosberg, Sutil and Alonso
2:22 Q1 - Knocked out: Fisichella, Nakajima, Grosjean, Liuzzi. Webber didn't take part
2:25 Second qualifying session about to start
2:27 Q2 underway
2:27 Raikkonen is the first out

2:28 Kovalainen and Kubica also out

2:28 This will be a very close session
2:30 8 drivers on the track. Raikkonen on his first flyer
2:30 A 1:31.195 for Raikkonen
2:31 Alguesuari crashed! Session stopped
2:31 Q2 - Stopped: Alguesuari's car is badly damaged!
2:32 Q2 - Stopped: Alguesuari drove straight into the barriers. He is ok
2:32 Q2 - Stopped: Alguesuari is still in the car!
2:33 Q2 - Stopped: Alguesuari lifted out of the car but he is now walking! Great news
2:34 Q2 - Stopped: Webber, Buemi and Alguesuari all crashed at the same corner!
2:36 Session restarting in 2 minutes
2:38 Q2 - Session resumes
2:38 Trulli and Glock go out and so does Heidfeld
2:39 More cars go out on the track!
2:40 With Alguersuari out. 4 cars will be knocked out this session
2:42 Another crash! Glock! Session stopped
2:42 Strange how Glock went off. Going onto the main straight
2:43 Q2 - Stopped: Glock still in his car
2:44 Q2 - Stopped: Glock is getting help as he remains in the car
2:45 Q2 - Stopped: Looks like Glock may have some injury
2:46 Q2 - Stopped: Only 2 timed laps so far. Trulli and Raikkonen
2:47 Q2 - Stopped: Stretcher arriving at the scene
2:48 Q2 - Stopped: Replay shows that Glock took out the steering wheel. Hopefully he didn't sustain any serious injuries
2:50 Q2 - Stopped: 7:49 remains in the session #F1

2:51 With Alguersuari and Glock out. Only 3 cars will be knocked out this session
2:54 Q2 Stopped: Glock didn't take part in practice yesterday due to a heavy cold. Did he get back into the car too early ?
2:55 Q2 Stopped: Glock has been taken out of the car. He seems to be ok #F1
2:56 Q2 Stopped: Glock taken to the medical centre for further checks #F1
2:56 Q2 Stopped: Session restarting in a minute
2:57 Alonso waiting at the end of the pitlane
2:58 Session restarts!
2:58 Alonso and Rosberg go out immediately
2:59 Hamilton out on the track too
3:01 Alonso in 3rd
3:02 Hamilton very quick!
3:02 Hamilton goes fastest with a 1:30.627
3:03 Vettel moves into 3rd
3:03 Now all the cars are on the track except for Glock and Alguersuari
3:04 Hamilton pits
3:04 [Comment From Parashar ]
where is sutil ? [Ed] No time yet

3:05 Vettel goes quickest with a 1:30.341!
3:05 Heidfeld on a quick one!
3:06 Button and Barrichello are not so quick! They both may not make it!
3:07 Yellow flags! Buemi has an incident!
3:07 A few cars have made it but they may have set their quickest times under yellow!
3:08 [Comment From Parashar ]
wat is happening ? this qualiying has most no.of accidents in this season. [Ed] Indeed!

3:08 It is surprising to see Buemi managing to get his car back to the pits!

3:09 Q2 - Top 10: Vettel, Hamilton, Trulli, Button, Raikkonen, Barrichello, Buemi, Sutil, Kovalainen and Heidfeld
3:10 Q2: Knocked out: Rosberg, Alonso and Kubica. Glock and Alguersuari crashed
3:13 [Comment From Parashar ]
is sutil out of relegation ???for q3 [Ed] Sutil is in Q3

3:14 [Comment From Parashar ]
why was luizzi so off pace ??? did he caught traffic ?? [Ed] Unclear but he did have a gearbox change

3:14 Buemi will not take part in Q3
3:14 Q3 underway and Sutil and Kovalainen are out
3:16 8 cars on the track now
3:16 [Comment From Parashar ]
so now its confirmed sutil will in top 9 [Ed] He is taking part now

3:16 All cars on the track expect for Buemi
3:17 Kovalainen crashes! Session will stop
3:17 Q3 stopped! This is the 3rd red flag in qualifying!
3:18 Kovalainen is fine but his car is heavily damaged!
3:20 [Comment From Parashar ]
ohh wat is this japan is unlucky for majority of drivers. [Ed] It is a tricky track and many drivers haven't raced here

3:21 Q3 stopped: Kovalainen radios back that he is 'absolutely fine'
3:21 Q3 session restarting shortly
3:22 Raikkonen and Trulli out straight away as the session restarts!
3:24 Raikkonen is on the harder compound!
3:25 Raikkonen sets a 1:33.010
3:27 Heidfeld on a very quick lap and so is Vettel !
3:27 8 cars on the track with just a minute remaining
3:28 [Comment From Parashar ]
wat abt sutil ? [Ed] A slow time for some reason!

3:28 Vettel sets a 1:32.160
3:28 [Comment From sachin ]
total 4 accidents??? [Ed] Yes

3:29 Trulli second with a 1:32.220. Heidfeld in 3rd
3:29 Sutil in 3rd
3:29 Hamilton takes 3rd
3:29 Button on 7th!
3:30 Barrichello in 5th!
3:30 So it is Vettel from Trulli and Hamilton
3:31 Sutil, Barrichello, Heidfeld, Button, Raikkonen make the top 8. Kovalainen and Buemi didn't set times
3:31 [Comment From Archive ]
Aren't there any other drivers on track? [Ed] Many drivers opted for just a single run

3:32 [Comment From Archive ]
thanks for that [Ed] You are welcome

3:32 [Comment From Archive ]
parashar u seemed to be obssessed with force india

3:32 [Comment From Parashar ]
is session over ??? [Ed] Yes

3:33 [Comment From Parashar ]
yes Archive i am greta fab of Force india

3:33 [Comment From Parashar ]
Thanks Ed for updates [Ed] You are welcome

3:35 [Comment From sachin ]
good qualifying for sutil

3:40 Fuel weights will be published in a few hours

3:41 Vettel "Very very happy" after grabbing Pole for the Japanese Grand Prix
3:42 [Comment From Parashar ]
i think trulli is running light [Ed] Not too sure. The Toyota's have been quick today

3:45 News on Glock is that he has a left leg wound. It remains to be seen if he will be able to race tomorrow. If he cannot then Toyota will have only 1 car as he cannot be replaced.
3:48 It remains to be seen whether those who set their quick times under yellow flags in Q2 will be penalised! Those include Button and Barrichello!

1st Qualifying Session - Top 10
1. Vettel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1:30.883
2. Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1:30.917
3. Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.041
4. Trulli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.063
5. Buemi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.196
6. Raikkonen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.228
7. Barrichello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.272
8. Rosberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.286
9. Sutil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:31.386
10. Alonso . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1:31.401


2nd Qualifying Session - Top 10
1. Vettel
2. Hamilton
3. Trulli
4. Button
5. Raikkonen
6. Barrichello
7. Buemi
8. Sutil
9. Kovalainen
10. Heidfeld

3rd Qualifying Session - Top 10
1. Vettel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.160
2. Trulli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.220
3. Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.395
4. Sutil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.466
5. Barrichello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1:32.660
6. Heidfeld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1:32.945
7. Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.962
8. Raikkonen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32.980
9. Kovalainen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Time
10. Buemi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Time

[Ed]

Red Bull had released a statement regarding Webber. It stated:

WEBBER TO MISS QUALIFYING

CHRISTIAN HORNER, Team Principal: “Mark was on a really quick lap towards the end of P3; he’d just set his fastest first sector. It was a really unfortunate incident, which is quite costly. It means we have to make a chassis change this afternoon, so he won’t be able to take part in qualifying. We’ll have to re-scrutineer the new chassis in the morning (Sunday), which will necessitate him starting the race from the pit lane. So, not a good start to the weekend.”

Car 14 MARK WEBBER: “You think of the preparation that goes into a weekend like this, so to not have the opportunity to do the race from a decent grid position is very tough for all of us – especially the guys in the garage. It wasn’t a big crash by any means, but it did too much damage to the chassis, so we have to change it. We don’t have spare cars these days, so that’s the outcome and it’s a shame. We made a few changes to the car for the final run and I lost control when it bottomed-out through Turn 8.”

[Ed]

It is believed that a number of drivers will be penalised due to not lifting under the yellow flags at the end of Q2 due to Buemi's off

[Ed]

It is now reported that Sutil, Barrichello, Button, Buemi and Alonso will get a 5 place grid penalty for ignoring the yellow flags at the end of Q2. Buemi also gets a reprimand

[Ed]

Pre Race fuel weights: (sorted by qualifying position)

Note: A few drivers are expected to be penalised

Number Car Driver Weight [kg]

15 RBR Renault Sebastian Vettel 658.5
09 Toyota Jarno Trulli 655.5
01 McLaren Mercedes Lewis Hamilton 656.0
20 Force India Mercedes Adrian Sutil 650.0
23 Brawn Mercedes Rubens Barrichello 660.5
06 BMW Sauber Nick Heidfeld 660.0
22 Brawn Mercedes Jenson Button 658.5
04 Ferrari Kimi Räikkönen 661.0
02 McLaren Mercedes Heikki Kovalainen 675.0
12 STR Ferrari Sébastien Buemi 665.4*
16 Williams Toyota Nico Rosberg 684.5*
07 Renault Fernando Alonso 689.5*
05 BMW Sauber Robert Kubica 686.0*
10 Toyota Glock (starts from pitlane)
11 STR Ferrari Jaime Alguersuari 682.5*
03 Ferrari Giancarlo Fisichella 661.5*
17 Williams Toyota Kazuki Nakajima 695.7*
08 Renault Romain Grosjean 691.8*
21 Force India Mercedes Vitantonio Liuzzi 682.5*
14 RBR Renault Mark Webber (starts from pitlane)

*declared weight

[Ed]

The provisional grid for tomorrow's race looks like:

Position - Driver - Team - Weight
1. Sebastien Vettel - Red Bull - 658.5
2. Jarno Trulli - Toyota - 655.5
3. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 656.0
4. Nick Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 660.0
5. Kimi Raikkonen - Ferrari - 661.0
6. Nico Rosberg - Williams - 684.5
7. Robert Kubica - BMW Sauber - 686.0
8. Adrian Sutil - Force India - 650.0 (5 place grid penalty)
9. Rubens Barrichello - Brawn GP - 660.5 (5 place grid penalty)
10. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 682.5
11. Jenson Button - Brawn GP - 658.5 (5 place grid penalty)
12. Giancarlo Fisichella - Ferrari - 661.5
13. Heikki Kovalainen - McLaren - 675.0 (5 place grid penalty - gearbox change))
14. Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 665.4 (5 place grid penalty)
15. Kazuki Nakajima - Williams - 695.7
16. Romain Grosjean - Renault - 691.8
17. Fernando Alonso - Renault - 689.5 (5 place grid penalty)
18. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Toro Rosso - 682.5 (5 place grid penalty - gearbox change)

Timo Glock (Toyota) starts from pitlane (cars damaged & requiring repair)
Mark Webber (Red Bull) starts from pitlane (cars damaged & requiring repair)

[Ed]

Stewards statement on Buemi:

The Stewards having received a report from the Race Director that Car No 12, Sebastien Buemi had suffered serious damage at the exit of turn 14 and subsequently impeded other drivers during Q2 met the driver and the team representative concerned.

Having heard the driver and considered the video evidence the Stewards concluded that the driver had impeded other cars during Q2 following the accident and that the damaged car posed a potential hazard to the other cars participating in the Qualifying Session.

This is a breach of Articles 30.13 and 31.7 of the 2009 Formula One Sporting Regulations. The Stewards decide to impose a penalty of a reprimand and a drop of 5 grid positions

[Ed]

The latest provisional grid is as follows (and it does sound strange!!). We will try to get the explanations particularly how Sutil is now behind Barrichello despite both being penalised

Position - Driver - Team - Weight
1. Sebastien Vettel - Red Bull - 658.5
2. Jarno Trulli - Toyota - 655.5
3. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - 656.0
4. Nick Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 660.0
5. Kimi Raikkonen - Ferrari - 661.0
6. Rubens Barrichello - Brawn GP - 660.5 (5 place grid penalty)
7. Nico Rosberg - Williams - 684.5
8. Adrian Sutil - Force India - 650.0 (5 place grid penalty)
9. Robert Kubica - BMW Sauber - 686.0
10. Jenson Button - Brawn GP - 658.5 (5 place grid penalty)
11. Heikki Kovalainen - McLaren - 675.0 (5 place grid penalty - gearbox change)
12. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - 682.5
13. Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso - 665.4 (5 place grid penalty)
14. Giancarlo Fisichella - Ferrari - 661.5
15. Kazuki Nakajima - Williams - 695.7
16. Fernando Alonso - Renault - 689.5 (5 place grid penalty)
17. Romain Grosjean - Renault - 691.8
18. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Toro Rosso - 682.5 (5 place grid penalty - gearbox change)

Mark Webber (Red Bull) starts from pitlane (cars damaged & requiring repair)
Timo Glock (Toyota) will not start due to a minor injury

[Ed]

Official statement from Toyota regardling Timo Glock

Timo Glock to miss the Japanese Grand Prix

Panasonic Toyota Racing can confirm that Timo Glock will not take part in today's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Timo suffered an accident in qualifying yesterday, after which he was taken for a check up at a hospital in Yokkaichi. He sustained a 5cm cut on his lower left leg in the accident and reported back pain, although x-rays have confirmed there is no damage.

In order to ensure he is fully fit for the Brazilian Grand Prix, Timo has been advised to rest so will miss the Japanese Grand Prix.

The team applied for permission for Kamui Kobayashi, who completed both Friday practice sessions, to race but that was rejected by race stewards due to the regulation which requires a driver to participate in at least one practice session on the second day of the event if he is to race.

Timo said: "Together with my physio I tried everything to be fit for the Japanese Grand Prix but in the end it is not possible for me to race. It is a pity to miss Toyota's home race and I'm annoyed that this happened. I want to say thanks to my car crew because they worked all night to fix the damage and get it ready for the race. They did a great job but unfortunately I can't race, however I am sure I will be back in Brazil."