🏁 JAPAN PREVIEW – EL BOX DE FRANCO 🇯🇵

Suzuka tests everything: pace, precision and consistency at one of the calendar’s most demanding circuits

Published

24 Mar 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

🇯🇵 Suzuka, Japan | Round 3

Suzuka needs no introduction. It’s one of those circuits drivers truly love: fast, technical, and unforgiving. After a season start where Franco and Alpine have shown promising race pace, the focus now shifts to consolidating that progress across a weekend where every detail matters.

What to expect in Japan

The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most complete events on the calendar: on-track action, unpredictable weather, and one of the most passionate fanbases in the world. From Friday, teams will be looking to quickly understand car behaviour at a circuit that punishes any mistake. Alongside Formula 1, additional categories will be on track throughout the weekend, adding even more action across all three days.

🌸 Key circuit facts

- Circuit: Suzuka Circuit - Length: 5.807 km - Laps: 53 - Total distance: 307.471 km - Figure-of-eight layout, unique on the calendar - Key sections: Esses, Degner, Spoon and 130R - Weather: variable conditions with mild temperatures and possible rain

Suzuka combines high-speed corners with constant direction changes, demanding precision and confidence in the car. The team arrives with a clearer baseline after the opening rounds, focused on improving consistency, especially over long runs, and better understanding car behaviour at such a demanding circuit to maximise performance.

A bit of history

The Japanese Grand Prix has been the stage for some of Formula 1’s most decisive moments, including title showdowns and iconic rivalries. Although it comes early in the season this time, it remains a key event where major stories can unfold. Suzuka is, without doubt, one of the most respected and anticipated circuits on the calendar.

🇦🇷 Argentine drivers in Japan

Argentina has had representation at this Grand Prix through Carlos Reutemann, who raced in Japan in 1976 (Fuji) and finished P2. Oscar Larrauri in 1988, Esteban Tuero in 1998, and Gastón Mazzacane in 2000 also competed at Suzuka during their respective Formula 1 careers. Now, a new chapter begins with Franco Colapinto, who takes on Suzuka for the first time in this new era of the championship.

Weekend schedule (Suzuka)

Friday, 27 March

FP1: 11:30 🇯🇵 / 23:30 🇦🇷 (Thursday 26) FP2: 15:00 🇯🇵 / 03:00 🇦🇷

Saturday, 28 March

FP3: 11:30 🇯🇵 / 23:30 🇦🇷 (Friday 27) Quali: 15:00 🇯🇵 / 03:00 🇦🇷

Sunday, 29 March

Race: 14:00 🇯🇵 / 02:00 🇦🇷

🎌 If you're heading to the circuit, don’t miss…

- Fanzone GP Square: stage with drivers, shows and activities all weekend - New Ferris Wheel Fanzone: simulators, official F1 trophy and 2026 show car - Pit Lane Walk & Track Walk (Thursday): unique access before on-track action begins - Tokyo Fan Festival: simulators, historic exhibitions, interactive experiences and night events - Cherry blossom: late March marks the sakura season in Japan. You can enjoy it near Suzuka in local parks or in nearby cities like Nagoya, where the scenery becomes truly iconic Franco will also appear on the drivers’ stage on Friday alongside Pierre Gasly.

The Japanese Grand Prix delivers just as much off track as it does on it, so we want to know what you would do if you were in Suzuka 👇

Experience the Japanese GP like a fan 🇯🇵

Tell us how you’d live the Suzuka experience and what you’d explore beyond the track

Share your view

This weekend brings history, technical challenges and a unique atmosphere

See you from Suzuka to support Franco with the #FranClub43 🩵

GENERAL

REDES SOCIALES

APOYO

APLICACIONES