Sidepodcast - All for F1 and F1 for all

Live Event Coverage

Japan 2008 - Free Practice 1 - After plenty of dominating news, it's time to get back to racing

Published by Christine

Hands up who thought they were going to get a break after the great racing in Singapore? Me too, but we haven't had a chance to blink. Following Alonso's amazing win, we've had controversy with the calendar, Ferrari admitting their pit stop failures, and the confirmation of a couple of team lineups.

Now though, it's time to return to the track and today we're at Fuji. The poor old Speedway has two major problems. Firstly, almost everyone prefers Suzuka and secondly, there's the big mountain that threatens the weather at every turn. Last year wasn't the best race we've ever seen, so hopefully the weather will hold off this time around.

At the moment, it's looking like Saturday is the only day with a chance of precipitation, but forecasts can often be wrong (especially the way I read them), so it's best to wait and see. If it does rain, we at least will be spared the sight of Bridgestone's luminous green stripes, but I believe that would be the only benefit.

Elsewhere, we have already discovered that Glock will be taking his freebie engine this weekend, and I'm expecting to hear more announcements as we progress through the Free Practice sessions. There are only three races left, and they can't use it in Brazil, so now seems like the opportune moment.

Talking of just the three races remaining, this weekend is vital for Massa and Kubica to keep their championship challenge alive. It is, of course, mathematically possible for Räikkönen and Heidfeld, but I'm not sure there are odds long enough to describe the chances. It's a long shot for Kubica, really, and the two to watch are Massa and Hamilton.

If you're around (and I know it's early for some of you), then let us know how you're watching, and your thoughts on Fuji. We'll be following ITV's online stream, plus Bernie's live timing. 5live Sports Extra are covering this session as well, and you'll find us in the Live Commenting Live... Thing.




Hands up who thought they were going to get a break after the great racing in Singapore? Me too, but we haven't had a chance to blink. Following Alonso's amazing win, we've had controversy with the calendar, Ferrari admitting their pit stop failures, and the confirmation of a couple of team lineups.

Event start

02:00GMT +01:00

10 October 2008