Japan - 08-10 Oct 2010
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course, Suzuka City, Mie, Japan Event Description: Race Distance: 53 laps, 307.471 km

The famous Suzuka figure-8 started life in 1962 as a test track for the Honda company. Today, it's one of the world's most famous tracks, and a driver favorite. A combination of fast straights, tight hairpins and chicanes, long dynamic sweepers, and elevations changes leads to many overtaking opportunities. In addition to the cross-over bridge/tunnel that allows the figure-8 layout, Suzuka's other famous element is 130R, a 130 meter radius curve taken flat-out in an F1 car.

Vettel and Hamilton fought for the lead at the start of the race in 2009, with the RedBull going on to win. Hamilton falls to 3rd as Trulli passes him to finish 2nd. Qualifying Summary: Two inches of rain fall during the designated qualifying period, resulting in postponement of the session to the morning of the race.

Under clear skies the next day, Red Bull make the best use of their advantage on Suzuka's fast, flowing corners to lock out the front row, Vettel on pole ahead of championship leader Webber.

Hamilton sets the 3rd fastest lap, but will start 8th due to a penalty for changing his gearbox. Kubica slots into a surprise 3rd position, trailed by Alonso and Button.

The top 10 in Japan:
VET WEB KUB ALO BUT ROS HAM BAR HUL MSC Race Summary: Lap one shenanigans mar the start of the race, bringing out the safety car for the first half-dozen or so laps.

Petrov and Luizzi shunt hard on the front straight ending their races, while Massa takes himself and Hulkenberg out in turn 1. Under the ensuing safety car, Kubica (who made a great start and moved up to 2nd place) simply had a tire fall off the car ending his great shot at a podium.

Once the race started in earnest, Red Bull walked away with it. Vettel wins from pole for a second year in row, while Webber helps his championship chances by finishing 2nd. Alonso in the remaining Ferrari pushed hard but could do no better than 3rd. Hamilton is able to get ahead of teammate Button, but then concedes the position after losing 3rd gear in his *new* gearbox.

Schumacher has a great run at one of his favorite circuits coming in 6th, while home-town hero Kobayashi makes several great passed on his way to 7th place. Driver Classification for Round 16: Fantasy Results: Event Media: