Sahara Force India driver Sergio Perez is looking forward to arriving in Japan, a country where he just loves to soak up the atmosphere ahead of the race weekend.
“The trip to Japan is always good fun and every year I try to visit Tokyo for a few days ahead of the race. Once you get to Suzuka, things are much quieter: the city is small but the circuit is spectacular, it’s the real attraction.
The Suzuka International Racing Course is clearly a major highlight of the area and one that throws up plenty of challenges for the driver, where even the smallest of mistakes can be costly. The Mexican loves this fact however, and very much enjoys competing at this track.
“The circuit is a huge challenge and it’s unforgiving. The speeds are high and the best part, for me, is sector one – it’s so impressive.”
As far as Perez is concerned, Suzuka is one of F1’s most outstanding circuits, where achieving the perfect balance in the car is crucial for having a strong session, especially with the added element of cross winds to contend with!
“Suzuka is without any doubt one of the best tracks in the world. You need a car that is balanced enough for you to feel completely at ease with it.
“The other thing to remember is the cross winds because it can often by very windy there. One lap you can have the perfect balance and the next it can be thrown off by a gust of wind!”
The 26-year-old is a big fan of the Japanese track, although his best result at the circuit was an eighth place back in 2011 when driving for the Sauber F1 team.
“It’s a track I like and where I have enjoyed some good results – it’s definitely one of the weekends I enjoy the most.”
Suzuka was sadly the scene of the tragic accident back in 2014, that eventually took the life of Jules Bianchi, and Perez commented that the talented Frenchman will no doubt be on everybody’s mind when they race there this weekend.
“Sadly, every time we go there we are reminded of Jules’s tragic accident.”
