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My Japanese Grand Prix preview

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Murray Walker | 06:50 UK time, Thursday, 1 October 2009

Welcome back to fabulous, unique Suzuka as the host of the Japanese Grand Prix. There have been some great, great races there in the past, but this season has been so unpredictable that I've given up trying to forecast who's going to win each race. Here's my preview.

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Comments

  • Comment number 1.

    I think you predictions are spot on Murray!

    This is a stunning track and given the state of the championship this should be a corker of a race!!!

  • Comment number 2.

    Hi Murray,
    What happened to your "Questions answered" for Singapore?
    This is one of the great race circuits in F1 and should be a permanent fixture with Spa,Silverstone and Monza.
    I don't blame you giving up predicting who'll win, though as it's held in Japan who's to say it couldn't be a Toyota ,or as the circuit is Honda owned, one of the Brawns?

  • Comment number 3.

    I missed Suzuka and it should never had been taken off the F1 racing calender. There where some memorable races and it's good to have one of the best tracks in the world to play it's part at the end of a close championship fight.

    My first race I watch was the 1999 Japan GP where Irvine and Suhmmi play a team game to beat the william's... great race...

  • Comment number 4.

    Hello Murray!
    I was out all day Sunday, and when I got in I just had to watch the race. It may seem a bit processional, but the cars look fantastic under all those lights. I just wanted to ask you a question:

    Should the Monaco Grand Prix be held at night?

    I only ask because, like Singapore, it's a street circuit, and also has something in the background. What do you think?

    PS: I can't wait for Japan. One of the greatest moments in F1 is Damon Hill crossing the finish line at Suzuka in 1996, and you saying "And I've got to stop, because I've got a lump in my throat." Simply brilliant.

  • Comment number 5.

    Looking forward to it. There have been too many races this season that looked liked glorified processions, like Singapore. Suzuka is a fantastic track.

  • Comment number 6.

    Hi Murray,

    It is excellent to see the Japanese Grand Prix back at Suzuka - I always think it is a bit of a hidden gem for avid GP fans who are willing to face the very early start!

    As for picking a winner, you're right it's almost impossible to say but surely Hamilton must riding a crest given neither Barrichello nor Button can afford to come away pointless (though, having said that, surely the former must beat the latter to have any real chance of snatching the Championship away on November 1st?)

  • Comment number 7.

    Suzuka is an awesome track. Next to Spa, Monaco, Interlagos and Monza it should never leave the calendar. We no longer have the great circuits at Hockenheim and the Nurburgring, or even a race at Austria, which, even when shortened, threw up some fantastic races. We have to make do with the less exciting modern tracks at China, Singapore et al. Great to see Suzuka back, should be an interesting race.

    1 Button
    2 Raikonnen
    3 Alonso

  • Comment number 8.

    Hi Murray,

    I'm a bit disapointed in that you would not give us your forcast for the race, do you think that this has been a clasic sesion with so maney diferent winers?

  • Comment number 9.

    Hi all,

    I am responsible for the ´óÏó´«Ã½ F1 website, and I notice that one of you is asking about Murray's latest Q&A. As you may know, we normally put this up on the Friday after a race, with the preview going up on the Thursday before the next race. It just so happens that this week, with there only being a week between grands prix, those two dates are inverted. Rest assured Murray's Q&A will appear on the website by tomorrow morning at the latest.

    Thanks

    Andrew Benson

  • Comment number 10.

    Hello! Just wondering where Murray filmed this piece? Looks very familiar, definately by the River Clyde...on the Cal Mac Ferry at Dunoon or Rothesay Pier maybe?

  • Comment number 11.

    I do love the previews only being a week apart! I also love the GP's starting at crack of dawn, leaves the rest of Sunday free for the wife & kids!

    It would appear that the smart money would have this down as a 'Red Bull' track. You never know may also suit Force India. Might check the odds, Sutil for the win!

  • Comment number 12.

    Murry plz caan u commintate on the finale of this year championship if it gose down to the wire? enjoyed your commitries with james Hunt and would enjoy your views. thanks.

  • Comment number 13.

    Despite thinking Sutil might win I would say:

    1. Vettal
    2. Rubens
    3. Webber

  • Comment number 14.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 15.

    With seven crashes at Suzuka qualifying, what is the common denominator, if any. The guys did seem to be trying hard to make up lost time, but why on the last bend particularly?
    Looks like it will be an interesting race anyway.
    Stilmore.

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