Japanese Grand Prix
Sixteenth race of the 2010 Formula 1 Championship, in Suzuka Circuit. Waiting for the Grand Prix, find out what happened in 2009 race, in a flashback to the main actions of the race
Suzuka, 4th October 2009 - The return to Suzuka marked a return to form for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, after the disappointment of Singapore. But a return to form only within the modest targets the team can now set itself for the final part of the season, as all technical effort is focussed on next year’s car. Once again, Kimi Raikkonen produced a very strong drive to come home in fourth place, while Giancarlo Fisichella’s twelfth place finish is not an accurate reflection of how much progress he made this weekend in terms of getting to grips with the F60.
The race was won, with an impressive lights to flag performance by Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, the German’s third victory of the season. Joining him on the podium in second place, to the delight of the Japanese crowd, was the Toyota, driven by Jarno Trulli, while third spot went to reigning champion, Lewis Hamilton. With the McLaren man picking up six points compared to Kimi’s five, the Scuderia’s lead over the English team in the battle for third place in the Constructors’ Championship is now down to just two points, the Scuderia on 67 and McLaren on 65. It’s going to be a tough battle over the remaining two races and as Team Principal Stefano Domenicali said after the race, Ferrari will be fighting "tooth and nail" to maintain the advantage.