Bring a brolly

The Japanese Grand Prix’s traditional October placement means races are often blighted by rain, and when it rains in Suzuka, it pours. That said, the weather adds another layer of drama to one of Formula One’s toughest but most beloved races – indeed, the start time of 2014’s Grand Prix was moved forward in anticipation of a heavy storm!

Additions to a long line of crashes

The circuit’s sweeping bends and tight chicanes have played host to some of the most infamous F1 collisions in history, with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost’s 1989 clash being the standout memory. After colliding with a few laps left, Prost (assured of the title if neither of them finished) sauntered off to his garage while Senna wrestled his damaged car to victory… that is, until he was controversially disqualified, gifting the title to Prost, and worsening their already toxic rivalry.

Bring a change of underwear

Over the years, both Suzuka’s nerve-wracking turn one and the fast hairpin of turn 11 have gifted fans some truly nail-biting overtakes. Kimi Räikkönen’s 2005 win from 17th on the grid was arguably the most frightening; the Finn sweeping his way to a well-fought win after a daring, heart-in-your-mouth overtake round the outside of Giancarlo Fisichella.

It’s a proper old-school track

With narrow straights, fast bends and treacherous, race-ruining gravel run-off areas, Suzuka is a circuit known to take few prisoners. Watching the modern-day beasts that are the current grid of cars fly around a circuit that is relatively unchanged since the golden eras of the 80s and 90s is a sight to behold. And, with this season’s championship still hanging in the balance, it’s definitely a race not to be missed.