The Suzuka Circuit is a highly technical racetrack, with complex corner combinations that are a challenge for drivers to find the ideal racing line and motivated by their progress and the most recent results, Leclerc, who is bound for Ferrari next year, and his team mate Marcus Ericsson, who will drop to the role of the Sauber team’s third driver in 2019, will approach this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix with plenty of optimism.

The Suzuka Circuit is a landmark for drivers as well as engineers. The first sector is dominated by mid to high-speed corners and changes of direction, therefore, high downforce is crucial. In the second part braking stability and traction, with the aerodynamic performance of the car, play a huge role. The third sector is the shortest with one chicane.

The weekend at Suzuka gets underway today (Friday) with the first two free practice sessions before the third practice session and qualifying come up tomorrow (Saturday) and finally the race on Sunday.

Marcus Ericsson

“I am really looking forward to our next race in Japan. The Suzuka circuit is my favourite one, and I have always been strong there. The fans are very enthusiastic and it is great to have their support while driving. We have a strong package going into the weekend and should be quite competitive there, so I hope that we will be able to see some good results and score more points.”

Charles Leclerc

“It will be my first time driving on the Suzuka Circuit. It is one of the most renowned circuits there is, and I am looking forward to discovering its challenges very much. It is a very technical track, and quite demanding in terms of the corners it features. After a positive weekend in Russia, we are motivated to extract the most out of our potential in the upcoming weekends, and I look forward to being back in the car in Japan.”

Photos: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team - 2018 FIA F1 World Championship