F1 Betting: Japanese GP fact-file

Formula One / Thomas Cowie / 01 October 2009 / Leave a Comment

Prost and Senna controversially crash out in 1990

"This place has got it all – even a fairground. The title is within Button's grasp. However, in keeping with the way this year’s championship has unfolded, it may not be quite that simple."

Championships have been settled at the all-action Suzuka track, says Tom Cowie. So can Jenson Button take a decisive step towards his own glory on Sunday?

Along with Spa Franchorchamps, the Honda-owned Suzuka circuit is a firm favourite amongst the drivers and is one of the few circuits to feature a figure of eight layout with the back straight passing over the earlier part of the track via an overpass.

The track features a tricky esses section, a tight hairpin, and a huge back straight which leads in to the terrifyingly fast 130R corner, taken in excess 190mph, before slamming on the brakes and turning in to the extremely tight chicane which leads on to the main straight. Put simply, this place has got it all - even a fairground which the circuit passes behind.

Suzuka hosted the Japanese Grand Prix for 20 years up to 2007, and was traditionally the penultimate or final race of the season. This meant that it had the honour of crowning many World Champions, including Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Michael Schumacher.

Despite many incidents of note over the years, it's the infamous events of 1989 and 1990 which are most commonly remembered above all others.

The rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost is the stuff of legend - two of the greatest drivers of their generation, winning seven World titles between them. Two of these were controversially settled at Suzuka.

Senna and Prost concluded the 1989 World Championship at the Suzuka chicane - Prost refusing to concede to the charging Brazilian and turning in on him as he attempted to overtake. Despite Senna restarting and driving the race of his life to win, he was later disqualified on a technicality, handing the title to Prost.

Twelve months on, and the two were back at it. Senna, still enraged about the previous year's events had promised himself that he would not let Prost, (now at Ferrari) turn in to the first corner ahead of him. The result was as inevitable as it was shocking. Senna rammed the Ferrari off the road at over 150mph - taking both men out of the race immediately and handing Senna his second World Title.

Fifteen points ahead of his nearest rival, Button (9.0) could add his name to Suzuka's illustrious coronation list if he outscores Barrachello by five points or more. The title is now very much within his grasp. However, in keeping with the way this year's championship has unfolded, it may not be quite that simple.

The fast, sweeping turns of Suzuka ought to favour the Red Bull. A disappointed Webber is at [8.0], but at [4.6], Vettel will be driving for his life. Although slim, the young German still has a mathematical chance of snatching the title, and as long as that is the case, he will give it everything.

In the sister Brawn, Barrachello [8.0] will be looking to continue his excellent driving. Although his poor start to the year may ultimately be his undoing, the Brazilian is keen to impress, particularly in view of the fact that Nico Rosberg is rumoured to be in the running to partner Button next year.

At [4.7], Singapore victor Lewis Hamilton is favourite for the win . The reigning World Champion is confident and relaxed, and will be looking for his third victory of the season - a victory that would inadvertently help Button towards the Championship.

Championship victory for Button would make him the first successive British World Champion for exactly 40 years. Fate has smiled on him all season - he is now just one more good performance away from making his dreams a reality.