Local hero Tsunoda singles out main quality he needs to improve

Yuki Tsunoda will endorse the role of local hero this weekend at Suzuka for his all-important first F1 race on home ground.

And the diminutive 22-year-old will head into the Japanese Grand Prix relieved of any feelings of apprehension or uncertainty regarding his future in the sport following Red Bull's decision to hand the AlphaTauri charger a third season among motorsport's elite.

Tsunoda is no stranger to Suzuka, having raced at Japan's legendary venue during his formative year in Formula 4. But experienced from the cockpit of an F1 machine, the challenging circuit is a very different proposition.

"In one way, Japan is just another race, but in another it is one I have been looking forward to ever since I started in Formula 1," commented Tsunoda.

"I used to drive at Suzuka quite a lot in Formula 4, so I have some experience of it, but when I recently drove the track in the simulator, in a Formula 1 car, it’s a very different world.

"Actually, because you have so much more downforce, I think you are on the throttle for more of the lap in a Formula 1 car than in Formula 4.

"The view of the track changes completely and it’s like a whole new track. My experience there from the past will still be useful and I remember how to drive Suzuka.

"I am looking forward to racing there in front of my home fans very much.

• Read also: AlphaTauri keeps Tsunoda onboard for 2023 F1 season

Needless to say, Tsunoda's maiden home race will put a big spotlight on the young gun, and he admits that doesn't exactly know "what it will be like", but he's happy to get the attention which he equates to an extra boost of energy.

"I know there will be a lot of interest from the fans for this race," he said. "I can’t imagine what it will be like, so it will be very different to every other race weekend, but I am looking forward to enjoying a new experience.

"I am happy about the attention; I am the sort of person that does not feel much pressure from other people anyway.

"When I’m driving, I only pay attention to myself and all that support will give me extra energy on every lap in a positive way, and that will be helpful and nice.

"Many of my friends and family will be coming to Suzuka and I know that even those for whom I couldn’t get passes, have bought tickets.

"And a very important final point, I get to eat Japanese food for a whole week!"

Red Bull's decision to keep Tsunoda onboard at AlphaTauri came in the midst of a campaign that offered no guarantees that he would remain on the grid in 2023.

But Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko, advised by AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost, obviously felt that their Japanese protégé's performances, if not his results, warranted another year on the grid.

However, Tsunoda is still a work in progress, and by his own admittance, his skills still require some refining.

Asked where he needs to improve to safeguard his potential F1 future beyond 2023, Tsunoda pinpoints one very specific and important attribute.

"Consistency, better consistency," he said. "I think that’s the main target.

"Obviously, of course, keep this progression in terms of the pace in qualifying. And I think also I would say to increase the consistency in the race, I think giving more feedback, which Pierre [Gasly] is very good at.

"That’s the difference between me and Pierre especially in the race, for example, he talks much more than me, I’m really quiet.

"Well, quiet or [I] shout, whatever! But giving feedback more consistently to the team, more information, even small details."

All signs point to Gasly moving to Alpine next season, and to Nyck de Vries filling his seat at AlphaTauri.

The Dutchman is highly rated, and if Tsunoda fails to raise his game in 2023 and continues to lack consistency, that could spell the end to his adventures in F1, in which case his strong contingent of local fans would be very disappointed.

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