An iconic and unique circuit, Suzuka has always been a favourite amongst Grand Prix drivers, and Romain Grosjean is certainly no exception.

The Frenchman, whose best placing in Japan was a third place podium finish with Lotus in 2013, relishes the fast and technical layout as well, as well as the passionate atmosphere instilled by the enthusiastic community of Japanese fans.

" Suzuka is probably my favourite track in the world and for many, many reasons," Grosjean says.

"Of course 2013 holds a great memory as I led the race for a while. But ainly I love it so much because the track is a massive challenge and also the spectators are so passionate about F1."

When assessing the formidable circuit, Grosjean naturally pinpoints Sector 1, with its incessant and fast change of directions.

"It's unbelievable and after you have finished it you can breathe a little bit…but not for long. There is no margin for error with very little run-off area and the track is quite narrow, especially at the top of the hill. I love it. Every metre of the Suzuka track is special and every metre a challenge."

Following his season's high in Belgium where he finished third, Romain Grosjean failed to see the checkered flag in Italy and in Singapore.

So the Frenchman, who has yet to confirm his signing with Team Haas for 2016, is keen on enjoying a solid run home in Japan with a car whose engineering qualities should line up well with Suzuka's own attributes.

" It's a track that highlights the good aspects of a chassis and it will certainly be a better place to exploit the positives of the E23 than Singapore".

" At Suzuka the driver can also make a difference to some extent, especially through Sector 1, so I will be pushing very hard here to get the very maximum we can."

Photographers' picks - Singapore

Singapore Grand Prix - Quotes of the weekend

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Spanish GP: Sunday's action in pictures

Kimi Antonelli’s eighth win underlined his growing authority, but the Madring also exposed the fine…

5 hours ago

Russell admits 2026 F1 title now ‘exceptionally unlikely’

George Russell has effectively conceded that his 2026 championship challenge is slipping away, admitting it…

6 hours ago

Norris lost out but ‘did everything right’ in Spanish GP

Lando Norris left the Madring with the uncomfortable feeling of having done almost everything right…

7 hours ago

Antonelli admits Norris ‘deserved to win’ in Madrid

Kimi Antonelli may have added another trophy to his rapidly expanding 2026 collection on Sunday,…

8 hours ago

Hamilton's titles hopes are over: ‘There’s no stopping Mercedes'

Lewis Hamilton has drawn a line under his 2026 title ambitions, admitting there is now…

9 hours ago

Spanish GP: Antonelli wins in Madrid – as VSC penalizes Norris

Kimi Antonelli turned the first Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring into another milestone in…

10 hours ago