Sad to say farewell to this challenging circuit - Heidfeld

As early as Monday, Nick heidfeld travelled to Tokyo in order to prepare for the Japanese Grand Prix. Considering the possible relocation of the race to Fuji next year, the driver of the BMW Sauber F1 Team shows his nostalgic side.

"I just can't wait to get to Suzuka," Nick Heidfeld says. "It's my favourite of all F1 circuits. This time it will be a slightly wistful occasion as we may not be racing there again after 2006 if Fuji joins the racing calendar as the venue for the Japanese GP. But I'm hoping there migth be two races in Japan. It would be sad to say farewell to this challenging circuit."

One characteristic feature of the 'Suzuka International Racing Course' is the so-called 'Esses' section, a succession of fast corners behind the pit lane. "There are five consecutive corners," Nick explains. "They flow beautifully and are tremendous fun if you manage to get them right. But if you mess up the first turn, it will pursue you right through to the last one in the sequence."

However, Nick is not only a fan of the 5,807 kilometre circuit, the longest track on the F1 calendar. The Japanese culture and, last but not least, the culinary specialities appealed to the driver. "I'm already looking forward to enjoying some Japanese food. The first thing we think of is sushi, which is delicious, but there's a lot more to Japanese cuisine than that," Nick confirms.