Japanese GP: Fernando Alonso Explains Why Suzuka Experience Is 'Amazing'

Fernando Alonso revealed that he is really looking forward to his visit to Japan, where he unlike the other Formula 1 drivers will spend more than one week owing to his commitments in the World Endurance Championship.

The Spaniard will first compete with McLaren at Suzuka before traveling to Fuji for the WEC race with Toyota the week after and he is thoroughly looking forward to spending time in the Asian country that truly loves their racing.

Alonso won the race in Japan with Renault in 2006 and is among many other drivers who enjoy driving the Suzuka circuit.

"I love Suzuka — it’s one of the best tracks of the year. I’ve had some great memories there — 2006 is a personal highlight — and I love spending time in Japan," Alonso said ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, according to F1i.com.

"This year I’ll finally be able to get used to the time zone, as I’ll be there for two weeks, one week in Suzuka and one in Fuji. I’m looking forward to it and also to visiting Tokyo, where I’ll try to spend as many days as possible between racing,” he explained.

The enthusiasm the fans show for the F1 race in Japan is something to behold and Alonso believes it is the most “incredible” thing about Suzuka. They pack the grand stands from Thursday to Sunday.

The Spaniard, however, corrected himself and gave equal praise to the circuit which is likely to suit the 2018 cars better than it has suited the cars from previous seasons.

"The fans are the most incredible thing about Suzuka," Alonso added. "They are amazing, even from Thursday when we have our media day and we go to the grandstands for the autograph signing, we see so many fans.”

The new cars have more downforce and the first sector in Japan is a combination of multiple fast and slow corners, which according to Alonso will allow the drivers to push to the limit.

"It wouldn’t be fair to say it’s only the fans that make the circuit so special. It’s great because it’s very demanding, and perfect for Formula 1 cars," Alonso said. "You can use all the potential of these cars and their aerodynamic performance as they match perfectly with the corners at Suzuka."

"The first sector is quite impressive, and when everything works well and you’re confident in the car you can really push through the Esses,” the former Renault and Ferrari driver added. "The g-forces and the feelings you get when you race there are quite amazing. As drivers, we love the speed — even when it’s flat-out it’s still enjoyable."

Mercedes will again be favorites owing to their dominating performance at the Russian Grand Prix on Sunday, but the high downforce nature of the track should give Ferrari and Red Bull Racing hope of challenging the title favorites.

Sebastian Vettel is running out of races if he is to close the gap on Lewis Hamilton, which currently stands at 50 points with five races remaining. A win for the Mercedes driver at Suzuka will all but likely end the Ferrari driver’s hopes of winning a fifth title.