McKeon
F1 stops in Japan for the Japanese Grand Prix at the famous Suzuka circuit, the only figure of 8 circuit on the calendar, and made up of iconic corners such as the esses, Degna 1 and 2, Dunlop, Spoon, and of course, the intimidatingly flat 130r
With Japan being a very narrow track and overtaking limited, qualifying was always going to be a crucial affair, but it was Midzy15 adding another pole to his collection for the season, setting a 1:28.154, with both his closest challengers, ETE Rusty, and Raceroller22, inside a tenth of a second, in what was a mega qualifying session, and effort from the top 3
The race on the other hand would throw an extra dynamic into the mix, a full wet start with the rarely seen blue walled tyres getting a run out, at least for the start. The lights would go out and everyone would be tentative as the spray would kick up from the tyres and blur everyone's vision going into the first two corners and the esses. It would be a banging of wheels for Raceroller and ZyDRAD, with the Red Bull getting out of shape and having to correct oversteer, and eventually cut over the grass to avoid further incident as the track tightened. Roller would lose out on 6 positions and wasn't the start he would've been after
The top 2 would begin to breakaway as the Red Bull of SLR Dylan wouldn't be in the same level at this early stage, but whether it was confidence in the conditions, or unseen damage, it was unknown. Dylan would become the Head of a 15 driver train by lap 2
Ghost Colt fancied his chances up the inside of Crispy2001 at the hairpin letting his car roll on the inside, but with the conditions making reference points and vision so much harder, it would have to be pinpoint, but with the gap narrowly closing, both would make contact, with Colt losing out to SLR Cech, who capitalised on the contact
Intermediates were becoming a serious consideration by lap 4 as para quick would come in and take the early gamble as the rain lightened. NRX Crowding would get it all wrong on traction off the exit of the hairpin, losing all the gains he made off the start and back to the end of the queue. The move for P3 would come for ZyDRAD at the end of the lap with a late braking move into the triangle, finally getting his move on SLR Dylan, and able to stretch his legs in clean air
Ghost Colt would go for a second attempt at Crispy2001, but into the treacherous 130r in the wet was risky. Both managed to keep it clean and respectful, but nothing materialising from the move, other than the bravery to at least go for it when the opportunity was somewhat there
Riggs would also look to get past AJDrifts, and with the Alpine getting a better launch off the hairpin than the Aston Martin, they would go side by side off the exit and all the way round to spoon curve, with the Alpine having the crucial edge of the inside line, and able to dictate the corner, making the move. AJDrifts would look again into the triangle, but wasn't close enough to make any headway
By lap 8 the intermediates were the tyre of choice for the majority of, and all of, the grid, as the rain lightened. NRX Astro and SLR Dylan would somehow manage to go side by side all the way through the single file esses, showing exemplary racecraft and respect for the other, and with the Red Bull keeping the charging Haas at Bay.
Astro would go for it again the next laps, but with robust defending from Dylan, it would be no easy feat for the Haas to get past and chase after the top 3
The top 3 would be running their own races respectively and picked up by commentary, probably the most boring races each could've been having at this point, but with no complaints
Crispy would have an off at the hairpin and lose out on a few positions, and with Raceroller stuck in the train, it would be a matter of biding time and waiting for the opportunity to show through.
We thought Astro and Dylan going side by side through the esses was spectacular racing and respect, we were treated to the same racing and craft by Division and Arbon, who were battling for P10, as both would go side by side through the challenging esses, with the positions remaining unchanged
Crispy would go for the move into turn 1 on Arbon, going deep into 1 for the switch back on 2, but when it's Japan in the wet, overtaking really is a different challenge entirely, and with the Alpine looking quicker, the move was more likely to present itself
NRX Astro would still be looking to get past the Red Bull, but with an excessive use of the throttle would see him spin on the exit of the Casio Triangle, and with Cech having to get off the throttle to avoid contact, it allowed for V2 x combat and Ghost Colt to exercise opportunitistic driving and seize the position off the Mercedes, as conditions also looked to be lightening up once again by lap 18
Lap 18 would also see Division retire before Spoon and bring out a safety car, and despite the rain still coming down and the track being incredibly greasy, everybody would jump onto soft and prepare for the dry weather come the end. Safety car also nullifies the advantages and the gaps drivers enjoyed bringing everyone together under caution
SLR Dylan would show that the track isn't ready for softs with a spin under the caution, Arbon would have to correct the car going up Dunlop, and Crispy spinning off the exit of the hairpin, all at slow speeds, so the question would be, is it going to be dry enough at the start, and how dangerous could it be if it wasn't
The race would go green again on Lap22 and Midzy would lead the grid away in the 6lap sprint to the end, on softs, on a damp track, it was truly an unknown for everybody
It would be 3 wide between Astro on the outside, V2 x Combat in the middle and Raceroller22 in the inside, and with bravery and commitment, it would be Astro making a move on the pair of them, with V2 sensibly backing out and Roller gaining one up the inside.
Roller would also get the move on Astro on lap 23 with better traction off the hairpin, and would be able to chase after ghost colt, who was occupying P4, however, with a mistake by the AlphaTauri at T1, it would allow the Red Bull through and free to chase ZyDRAD, who was sitting in P3
The Aston Martin would be the widest car on track as ZyDRAD would keep the charging Bull at bay, and with 3 laps to go, it would be a big task in hand. Lap 26 would also see Astro looking at this battle, and with overspeed through 130r, would look to go up the inside of Roller, but unable to make the move stick as it became heated for the podium
Midzy15 would win the Japanese Grand Prix, and with the pole, win, led every lap, he would be one away from the rare grand slam, just missing out on the fastest lap, but don't think he'll be caring at all as it doesn't give extra points, but emphasises the performance of the Williams. Rusty, despite a late penalty, was able to keep his P2 and a strong result from the AlphaTauri, and with the battle for P3 going all the way to the final corner, Raceroller would get better turn in and switch off 130r and round the outside into the chicane, ZyDRAD holding the inside and the Red Bull, by 2 wheels, able to keep his car on track as they would come so close through the final corners, but with Roller keeping it within the limits by fine margins and getting the better exit, was able to get P3 on his way to the line in what was a truly thrilling Grand Prix
I will also take the time to point out that Japan was the final race of 2021 before teams and drivers pause for the Christmas break, and I want to express my best wishes to all over the Christmas period and however you all wish to celebrate. With Christmas bringing some peace and joy, some celebration and community, this will be the best time to mellow out and spend time with loved ones and those who are dear. However you choose to bring in the end of the year, stay safe and mindful as the last year has continued to show challenges with the evolving pandemic, and with winter being the most challenging circumstances for this. Everybody has shown true strength in what has been an incredibly challenging, and scary time, and with safety and security being paramount, I give everybody my best wishes over the holidays and remember to stay safe in these times. We go racing again in America on the 7th when Division 1 resumes
Qualifying
Pole Lap: 01.28.154
1. Midzy15
2. ETE Rusty
3. rcaeroller22
4. SLR Dylan
5. ZyDRAD
6. Crispy2001
7. gho3t COLT
8. SLR Cech
9. ArbOn EPA
10. II Division II
11. II Monkeyy II
12. V2 x Combat
13. JoelGP88
14. NRX Astro
15. R1ggs8
16. ShutMedal
17. PaRa QuickZ
18. NRX Crowding
19. KlutzyWinter830
20. AJDr1ftz
Race
Fastest Lap: 01.30.196
1. Midzy15
2. ETE Rusty
3. raceroller22
4. ZyDRAD
5. V2 x Combat
6. PaRa QuickZ
7. NRX Astro
8. SLR Dylan
9. R1ggs8
10. NRX Crowding
11. Crispy2001 -5 sec
12. SLR Cech
13. ShutMedal
14. AJDr1ftz
15. ArbOn EPA
16. KlutzyWinter
17. gho3t COLT(RET)
18. II Monkeyy II (RET)
19. II Division II (DNF)
20. JoelGP88 (RET)
Crispy vs 5s pen
Outcome: pen removed
Reason: crispy received a 5s safety car collision penalty that wasn’t his fault and provided sufficient evidence to prove he didn’t serve it in the pits.
Crowding vs Division
Outcome: NFA
Reason: watching division’s view of the incident, him and crowding barely make contact (they may not even make contact at all)
Furthermore, Crowding is pretty much unaffected from this so there’s no reason to penalise division.
Crowding vs monkeyy
Outcome: racing incident
Reason: monkeyy and crowding make contact for 2 reasons. Monkeyy opens up his steering slightly too early and crowding opens his slightly too late (as shown by his position on exit being slightly to the left of division ahead)
Therefore this results in them making contact which unfortunately spins crowding. We feel this means it would be unfair to penalise monkeyy.
Riggs vs crowding
Verdict: racing incident
Reason: Riggs has nearly completed the move on crowding going into spoon, however he drifts right in the braking zone. This means him and crowding make minor contact. We feel this isn’t crowding’s fault because he just sticks to the racing line and the contact happens in the middle of the braking zone and is caused by Riggs slightly misjudging how far he is ahead of crowding. Therefore no penalty will be awarded for Riggs ending up off track because of this.
Division 1
In Division One this week we were back racing with a full grid in Suzuka and it definitely did not disappoint. The reigning Division 2 Champion SLR FemPest made his return after being out of action since China, and he marked it with pole at his “favourite track” on the calendar. He finished just 0.031s ahead of SLR Connor in P2, with OwenHowell36 in P3 with his best qualifying of the season so far.
Off the start however it would be SLR Connor who took the lead with the inside line for Turn 1, ahead of SLR FemPest and then Championship leader LP Smoke in P3 after jumping OwenHowell36 and BadOtterTV who were on mediums off the start.
After a relatively clean getaway we would then be under VSC after a crash from l VR46 l at 130R on the first lap, he was in P6 at the time but no one else was caught up by it.
SLR FemPest then took the lead going into Lap 7 however a dodgy line meant he half spun at Turn 1 and lost both P1 and P2, however only lost one second to the top 2. The returnee would then box early a couple of laps later for the undercut, and when LP Smoke pitted they came out side by side for net P2, however the safety car was called out and Smoke conceded the position. SLR Liamm crashed in sector 2 to take us down to 16 runners.
The Safety Car really shuffled the order as those on mediums had to pit for softs too early, or hards which was far from optimal. The lead medium runner in OwenHowell36 boxed for the red-marked softs ahead of BadOtter on the hards and came out P4 & P5 respectfully. However disaster struck for the former as connection issues saw him screen freeze and suddenly was in the barrier after colliding with the latter. He then fell back to the bottom of the order as he boxed to replace both his wing and his internet connection.
The Safety Car was back in on Lap 16 and almost immediately SLR FemPest was given a penalty for track limits, whilst BadOtter overtook LP Smoke to take P3.
However it didn’t take too long and we were back under yellow flags as a collision between the Ferraris at 130R saw ELiTE x RisKz out of the race courtesy of his Reserve teammate WOR Peanut 07. The latter would then retire in the pits and leave the league.
Cut to Lap 20 and Championship leader LP Smoke fell to the back of the pack from P4 after a spin on the exit of spoon. We were then shortly after greeted by another VSC after a collision between SLR Allen and DPT Alfie saw the former in the barrier at 130R, and we were down to 13 with just 4 laps remaining.
In the end it was SLR FemPest who took the win after a lightning restart on the VSC, however he’d lose it to SLR Connor after his earlier penalty. DPT Paul came home P3 for Williams to complete the podium, and SLR Bennett3810 in P4 to close the gap in the championship to just 8 points to his teammate.
Well done to those who raced, full results below. From myself (Owen), Head Admin Bennett and Championship leader Smoke, we wish you the best of times in the 2 week break as we head towards the new year for the final 6 races of the season!
Qualifying
Pole Time: 1:28.752
1. SLR FemPest
2. SLR Connor
3. OwenHowell36
4. BadOtterTV
5. LP Smoke
6. ELiTE x RisKz
7. Adrian VIII
8. MasonGammon05
9. EIIis 37
10. l VR46 l
11. SLR Allen
12. SLR Bennett3810
13. DPT Paul
14. DPT Alfie
15. SLR Liamm
16. SF1 Moley
17. ARL PReDaToRZz
18. SLR Semm
19. WOR Peanut 07
20. SLR Badderss
Race
Fastest Lap: 1:29.632 - LP Smoke
1. SLR Connor
2. SLR FemPest
3. DPT Paul
4. SLR Bennett3810
5. Adrian VIII
6. BadOtterTV
7. MasonGammon05
8. OwenHowell36
9. DPT Alfie (+10s)
10. EIIis 37
11. SF1 Moley
12. ARL PReDaToRZz (+10s)
13. LP Smoke (FL)
14. SLR Allen (DNF)
15. WOR Peanut 07 (RET)
16. ELiTE x RisKz (DNF)
17. SLR Liamm (DNF)
18. SLR Badderss (RET)
19. SLR Semm (DNF)
20. l VR46 l (DNF)
BadOtterTV v DPT Alfie - forcing off track (Lap 24)
Outcome: No action taken
Reason: Nothing happens in this clip at all. A very slight contact of tyres but that's it.
BadOtterTV v DPT Alfie - Collision (Lap 24)
Outcome: 10 secs + 2LP for Alfie
Reason: Alfie brakes late and carries too much speed going into the chicane therefore hitting the rear of Otter and spinning him round. Otter also picks up a random 3 second penalty while off track.
EIIis 37 v SLR Bennett - Forcing off track (Lap 6)
Outcome: No action taken
Reason: Both drivers are wheel to wheel going through turn 12 before spoon. Bennett is slightly ahead and Ellis makes contact with Bennett's rear left tyre. Us stewards have determined this to be an incredibly unlucky collision of tyres between the two drivers. It's really unlucky for Ellis (especially the crap 10 second penalty he receives) but neither driver does anything wrong here to warrant any penalties being given.
EIIis 37 v ARL PReDaToRZz #23 - unsafe rejoin (Lap 24)
Outcome: 10 secs + 2LP for Predz
Reason: Predz loses his car and spins going through turn 6. However he was seemingly unaware that Ellis was not far behind at all and rejoins the track in an unsafe manner right Infront of Ellis. Had ghosting not been on, this very likely would of been a big collision between the two potentially even both cars retiring.
Division 2
In Division 2 this week a lot of Christmas parties meant a small grid so a bit of a change to the usual full qualifying session we had a short qualifying session which meant every one was out there straight from the get go hoping to nab pole position.
In the end it was AWRL Kevin who took pole with a time that wouldn’t be to put of place in the division higher. GoldenEggFryer had his best qualifying joining him on the front row.
To@the race then and one of the most difficult first turns in my opinion on the whole calendar. And a few bumps and taps but nothing major meant the order was pretty much as you were.
On lap 3 Barlow had a spin and picked up damage. Just as a 6 cars were covered by 3 seconds.
On lap 6 SLR Hicklin crashed out and a safety car came out so that meant a busy pit lane as most chose to change tyres from the softs to the mediums. Charlie opting for another set of softs however.
On the restart Kevin clipped the Dunlop curb and spun and SLR ALE couldn’t avoid him which saw him crash out Kevin still in the race though.
A couple of laps later GoldenEggFryer well in the lead had a spin as SLR Leah and SLR Charlie were going toe to toe which saw Leah now lead the race…. For all of a lap and a half when he took to much curb which saw him sideways in the middle of the track and others behind couldn’t avoid. SLR Charlie, Zachisbeast and QBR20 Josh all flew into one another causing a spectacular crash which miraculously Leah still had a drivable car.
This bought the hole field back together with 10 laps to go. Kevin and Leah having spins on the restart. As GRT Andrew who hadn’t really featured early on the race was now leading and building a gap.
A few more spins for guys in the next few laps spread the video a fair bit and the pole man Kevin was now making his way back through and up to 2nd on lap 22 and leading the charge to catch first place Andrew.
On the last lap Kevin did catch Andrew and pass him however he did have a time penalty so GRT Andrew would take the victory! Kevin picking up 2nd after and up and down race. SLR Jack took a podium finish quite away ahead of GoldenEggFryer in 4th. SLR Barlow P5. SLR EVVO lost it on the very last corner which meant he finished 7th and SLR Leah would pick up 6th. And they were the only points scoring finishers.
From Myself (SLR Leah) and the Division 2 admin team hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year! See you in 2022
Qualifying
Pole Lap: 01.28.915
1. AWRL Kevin
2. GoldenEggFryer
3. SLR Leah
4. SLR CHARLIE1
5. SLR ALE
6. SLR Barlow
7. QBR20 Josh
8. ZachIsBeast25
9. SLR Jack
10. SLR Hicklin
11. GRT Andrew
12. SLR EVVO
Race
Fastest Lap: 01.30.139 GoldenEggFryer
1. GRT Andrew
2. AWRL Kevin
3. SLR Jack
4. GoldenEggFryer
5. SLR Barlow
6. SLR Leah
7. SLR EVVO
8. ZachIsBeast25 (DNF)
9. QBR20 Josh (DNF)
10. SLR CHARLIE1 (DNF)
11. SLR ALE (DNF)
12. SLR Hicklin (DNF)
Division 3
Qualifying
Pole lap: 01.29.786
1. LSW L3g3nd44
2. BcfcJosh
3. EAAidsDan53
4. ChicknRosery
5. UnrealSalmon590
6. RNG SWFCfan
7. Gregers UK
8. F1 Warhead
9. BlockTheSun
10. I21I Maxwell
11. Rosco
12. I CxmznI
13. SLR Russell
14. RWSRL Latifi
Race
Fastest Lap: 01.31.703 LSW L3g3nd44
1. BcfcJosh
2. I21I Maxwell
3. Gregers UK
4. BlockTheSun
5. F1 Warhead
6. EAAidsDan
7. RWSRL Latifi
8. Rosco
9. ChiknRosery
10. LSW L3g3nd44
11. ICxmznI (RET)
12. SLR Russell (DNF)
13. RNG SWFCfan (DNF)
14. UnrealSalmon590 (DNF)
Incident: ChicknRosery vs UnrealSalmon - Lap 1
Outcome: NFA
Reason: UnrealSalmon has to brake for cars in front. ChicknRosery keeps up his speed however runs into the frontwheel of UnrealSalmon, later causing a bigger crash. The stewards feel that this wasn’t UnrealSalmon’s fault, therefore no penalty has been handed out.
Incident: LSW L3G3ND44 vs Joshhewitt321 - Lap 19
Outcome: NFA
Reason: LSW L3G3ND44 gets overtaken, then he clips the rear wheel of Joshhewitt321. The stewards feel that LSW L3G3ND44 didn’t keep his line. This caused the crash. Therefore the stewards haven’t handed out a penalty
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