F1 drivers handed much-needed Suzuka boost after recent moans

The Japanese Grand Prix will negate to a certain extent one of the issues that has drawn widespread criticism after the introduction of the new F1 regulations for this season.

The 50-50 power split between combustion and electrical energy, combined with the 'Overtake' and 'Boost' buttons, may have increased the number of overtakes, as seen in the first two races in Australia and China, but it has fuelled remarks that the racing has become too artificial.

It has allowed a driver whose car has been fuelled with battery power to overtake a depleted rival, only for the latter to attack and swiftly reclaim the position when the battery roles are reversed.

At Suzuka, such a rapid repass will not be possible in one area given the nature of the circuit.

As to whether there will be the yo-yo of overtakes at Suzuka, Alpine racing director Dave Greenwood said: "It’s difficult to say, but with the overtake detection point going into the last corner, you’ll get the overtake boost on the start-finish straight.

"Although it’s not as powerful as DRS, it’s still effective. If you make a pass before Turn 1, it’ll be difficult for someone to repass because you’re into the Esses and not on another straight."

Downforce loss misery

Although positive, the circuit does have its negatives, notably due to the lack of downforce on the cars this year, which will severely impact performance around a track widely regarded as one of the great high-speed challenges of F1.

"With reduced downforce on the cars, we’ll definitely see lower apex speeds in the opening sequence of corners, the Esses from Turn 3 to 7, and drivers will take them in a lower gear," assessed Greenwood.

"By the start of the second sector, from the first Degner to the hairpin, the cars should be in a much more similar performance window to last year.

"The effect of less downforce will [also] be keenly felt around Spoon. Drivers will be grip-limited for longer there, which will make it more challenging.

"I think we’ll see more variation in the lines taken, and it’s critical because of the exit you need onto the next straight."

Similarly, one of the greatest corners in F1, the 130R, will not be taken at high speed due to the different demands required of the drivers.

Assessing the deployment and recharge factors at Suzuka, Greenwood said: "It’s not too bad for recovery, but equally it has its challenges because of the long straights.

"I think we’ll see some variation in speeds through 130R across the teams, as you won’t want to waste energy if you’re scrubbing speed laterally on the tyres.

"I think we’ll see cars harvesting before they reach the Turn 16 chicane. I think we’ll also be much quicker than in previous years out of the hairpin and on the exit of Spoon."