Sebastian Vettel has voiced the opinion of almost every Formula 1 driver by revealing his love for “old-school” Suzuka.
Designed as a Honda test track in 1963, the unique figure-of-eight layout has hosted the Japanese Grand Prix every year bar two since 1987, the exception being in 2007 and 2008 when the event returned to Fuji.
To most though it is Suzuka that is synonymous with the race and represents one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar.
“I like it because I think it’s a great track. It’s one of the old school tracks,” Vettel said.
“They haven’t modified it much since its origin… maybe I’m wrong. Maybe they raced in a completely different track back in 19-whatever. Anyways, since I’ve known the track and seen it on TV, it’s one that hasn’t changed.
“It’s a very fast track, a lot of fast corners. I think Sector One is just the best part of track that I can imagine.”
That first sector consists of the ‘Snake’, four sweeping corners leading into the uphill climb through the Dunlop curve, while towards the end of the lap, the once infamous 130R remains a spectacular sight even if the difficulty is now much reduced.
Vettel, who won his second title at this race in 2011, admits his love of the Japanese GP isn’t just limited to the iconic sweeps of Suzuka though.
“It’s a crazy place, there is a lot of support for Formula 1, a lot of passion,” he said.
“We go there only once a year, there a lot of things that make it very special and I’ve always liked it.
“I like Japan as well, I think it’s worth a visit. It’s great to be there and to be able to race there, and if the car performs the way you want and it is doing what it wants, I don’t think there are many things that can beat that.”