The Formula 1 circuit in Japan was repaved for the new season, but after a Super Formula test, there is widespread criticism – many new bumps
The newly asphalted Suzuka circuit is causing discussions. During the official Super Formula test, many had to deal with newly emerged bumps, which raised concerns about safety. In particular, the fast full-throttle left-hander at the end of the S-bends and the beginning of the first sector seems to be affected and to have a massive impact on the handling of the cars.
Some drivers reported unexpected spins and contact with the track, which could also have an impact on the upcoming Formula 1 race in April. Suzuka is known for its technically demanding layout, and any change to the asphalt structure affects the handling of the highly sensitive cars.
Super Formula champion criticizes changes
“This place is quite dangerous. I’m not sure why it became like that after the repaving, but I think everyone drives through there with fear,” says reigning Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi about the final part of the S-bend, after he went off the track there on day one.
“Right after the crest, where you hit the throttle, the car started to hop slightly. There was a long bump that extended to the point where you fully depress the throttle.”
“As more cars went over it, the skids (wooden planks attached to the underside of the car) started grinding the surface, so you could visually see where the contact was happening. But before that, I suddenly spun without realizing it. When I did my track walk, I didn’t notice anything, so I thought it was fine.”
The new bumps could fundamentally change the set-up of the cars. Teams may need to adjust ride height or work with modified damper settings to compensate for the bumps. Failure to adjust could cause the cars to become unstable in fast corners or lose grip in critical sections.
It feels like we’re driving on a completely different track
Mugen driver Tomoki Nojiri also has an interesting perspective on the changes: “It may look the same, but it feels like we’re driving on a completely different Suzuka Circuit.”
“Even the smallest imperceptible unevenness in the road surface can be felt while driving, as our cars have extremely low ground clearance. There are bumps that feel like hidden traps, making the track more technical than before.”
“The new surface looks clean, but every newly paved section feels different. From Turn One and Turn Two to the first and second parts of the S-bends, nothing feels the same as before. The road inclination has changed significantly.”
The Super Formula test days provide an important opportunity to adjust to the new conditions and collect data for possible adjustments. However, the question remains whether improvements will be made to the track in time for the Formula 1 weekend or whether the teams and drivers will have to live with the new challenges.
