Mark’s 2013 Japanese Grand Prix preview

on October 11, 2013 2013 Season with 3 comments

The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the Formula One season. The atmosphere is always electric, due to the passion exuded by the Japanese fans, and Suzuka is one of the most challenging and unforgiving circuits in the world.

Mark has a big fan base in Japan – “at Thursday’s autograph session they seem very interested in my season and many of the fans even know my birthday” – and he scored a podium finish at Suzuka in 2010. He’d love to repeat that feat in Sunday’s race, in what will be his final Japanese Grand Prix.

“It’s always great to race in Japan,” says Mark. “The sport has a long heritage in the country and Suzuka is a fabulous place to drive an F1 car. It’s one of the tracks that every driver looks forward to driving because it’s so challenging and it punishes mistakes.

“I think the track will feel pretty special in this year’s cars, particularly over one lap in qualifying. The fast changes of direction through the Esses, plus Degner One and Spoon, are great corners and the aerodynamic grip generated by an F1 car comes into its own. The lateral g-forces are pretty extreme, but that’s what we train for.”

Mark has been doing his training in Tokyo this week, prior to arriving at Suzuka on Thursday morning and his first port of call was the Red Bull Racing pit garage, where his mechanics have had a busy few days because he’s using a new chassis at this race. But it wasn’t the spectacular fireball that caused the damage.

“Actually, it was the impact from [Adrian] Sutil’s car that did the damage,” says Mark. “The crash structure on his car cut through the side of the chassis, creating a crack that means we can’t use the car here. Surprisingly, given the high temperatures of the fire, the engine and gearbox were fine. It’s been a busy few days for the guys on my side of the garage, but they’ve done a great job and we’re ready to go.”

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3 Comments

  • natalia rincon
    on October 11, 2013 Reply

    encourage mark, enjoy the most of the races you are, we will always be by your side supporting you.
    please stay with us

  • Rob. Greenshields
    on October 12, 2013 Reply

    Good luck in Japan Mark. I have to agree with your comments about tyres, a driver cannot wring the neck of the car if he is retarded by tyre wear and strategy.

    I have followed your career and feel proud of your steadfast determination and professionalism, as an Ozzie I am more than greatful to have been able to do that. All the best, Robert.

  • Billy
    on October 12, 2013 Reply

    Well done Mark getting pole for this weekend,a brilliant drive,at least you beat the “kraut”,so I hope yoy have a great race tomorrow and you get that number one spot on the podium.That would be nice for you,and you are close to the great Jack Brabhams record for wins,cool,enjoy your day mate,I cant wait to watch it.
    Billy

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