Although we all wish the Japanese GP was at Suzuka this year, the fact that it is at Fuji does add a little spice to the championship at this stage, purely because it is an unknown to the majority of the drivers. It being a Toyota circuit, Ralf and Jarno will have some knowledge of it but I doubt that this will give them much of an advantage. Certainly, Kimi seems quite confident that he can learn the track very quickly and Hamilton is unconcerned too. Alonso has done his world champion thing and walked the circuit this morning; Massa looks to be settling for his support role for Raikkonen from now on and so has no pressure this weekend - and that will surely bring the best from him.
Fuji
The layout of the circuit resembles Indianapolis more than anywhere else, with a long straight followed by a series of bends, both tight and more open. If it behaves in the same way, the McLarens should be good, just as they were at Indy. But that is an imponderable - very often tracks that look similar behave in completely different ways when raced upon.
Ferrari are expecting to have an advantage in China and Brazil so McLaren must be hoping for a really good result at Fuji to put one of their drivers out of reach. The question remains: which one?
No doubt the smart money is on Alonso; of late, he has had a slight edge over his team mate and, considering the controversies of the season, he seems surprisingly cool at this stage, even stating that he will still be with the team next year. I can't help but think that remains to be seen, given the strained relationship between him and Ron Dennis, but for the moment he is in the situation that suits him so well - in the run-in to the championship and with his goals simplified and clear.
Hamilton is talking about having a chat with the Spaniard to sort out their differences and I'm sure Alonso will agree and say all the right things. But on the track there is a strong possibility that it will all be forgotten; if the circumstances occur, I can see a Senna/Prost incident happening again. In fact, I almost hope that it does. As much as I dislike Ferrari's tactics, the plain fact is that I like Kimi's attitude and driving style. He is driving for the wrong team in my opinion but, given the choice between a surly and selfish champion, a rookie who would break all records in media frenzy were he to win, and the Ice Man who has been so close so many times, it's Raikkonen I want to be champion.
That would be the real fairy tale ending to an unpleasant season. Although the battle between four drivers has been close, the racing has been almost non-existent and off-track scandals have ruined the enjoyment we expected from this year. We need to get it over and done with quickly so that Max and Ferrari can stop crowing about a dubious victory in committee, whoever becomes champion can receive his trophy and go into the record books, there to gather dust, and all thoughts turn to next year. I never thought I would be so eager for a season to end but 2007 has reached depths of despair for the sport as no other.
It would be nice if the race at Fuji were to rekindle some interest, perhaps with some good dicing on track or a finish that leaves the championship still hovering between three drivers. But, in a season that managed to kill even Spa's attractions, I doubt it.
Roll on next year and a new start. Nick Heidfeld for champion!
Fuji
The layout of the circuit resembles Indianapolis more than anywhere else, with a long straight followed by a series of bends, both tight and more open. If it behaves in the same way, the McLarens should be good, just as they were at Indy. But that is an imponderable - very often tracks that look similar behave in completely different ways when raced upon.
Ferrari are expecting to have an advantage in China and Brazil so McLaren must be hoping for a really good result at Fuji to put one of their drivers out of reach. The question remains: which one?
No doubt the smart money is on Alonso; of late, he has had a slight edge over his team mate and, considering the controversies of the season, he seems surprisingly cool at this stage, even stating that he will still be with the team next year. I can't help but think that remains to be seen, given the strained relationship between him and Ron Dennis, but for the moment he is in the situation that suits him so well - in the run-in to the championship and with his goals simplified and clear.
Hamilton is talking about having a chat with the Spaniard to sort out their differences and I'm sure Alonso will agree and say all the right things. But on the track there is a strong possibility that it will all be forgotten; if the circumstances occur, I can see a Senna/Prost incident happening again. In fact, I almost hope that it does. As much as I dislike Ferrari's tactics, the plain fact is that I like Kimi's attitude and driving style. He is driving for the wrong team in my opinion but, given the choice between a surly and selfish champion, a rookie who would break all records in media frenzy were he to win, and the Ice Man who has been so close so many times, it's Raikkonen I want to be champion.
That would be the real fairy tale ending to an unpleasant season. Although the battle between four drivers has been close, the racing has been almost non-existent and off-track scandals have ruined the enjoyment we expected from this year. We need to get it over and done with quickly so that Max and Ferrari can stop crowing about a dubious victory in committee, whoever becomes champion can receive his trophy and go into the record books, there to gather dust, and all thoughts turn to next year. I never thought I would be so eager for a season to end but 2007 has reached depths of despair for the sport as no other.
It would be nice if the race at Fuji were to rekindle some interest, perhaps with some good dicing on track or a finish that leaves the championship still hovering between three drivers. But, in a season that managed to kill even Spa's attractions, I doubt it.
Roll on next year and a new start. Nick Heidfeld for champion!