Fuji has changed a lot since I was there - Yamamoto

In advance of this week’s Japanese Grand Prix, the Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team driver Sakon Yamamoto previews his home race. Just like team mate Sutil, Yamamoto already raced on the track, so this might be an advantage for them.

"Once or twice when I was younger I visited Fuji for what was F3000 at that time. The first time I raced there on the old circuit was in F3 in 2001. It was good until I crashed! My first race on the new circuit was 2005, in Japanese GTs. On the old track you could really use a big tow and you could pass more easily. I think it was more tricky and more dangerous. The new one is safer, but it still has the long straight."

"Fuji is a very interesting circuit, because one side is a very quick straight, and the other is very technical, especially sector three. For a driver it’s interesting, but for engineers it’s a real compromise. The last part is probably best for drivers. It’s a bit slow, but it’s fun to drive. And also this is the part where the driver can make a difference, good or bad."

"Suzuka is also a very nice circuit, so I guess my feelings are 50:50! I will miss Suzuka, but I am looking forward to the new Fuji. For a driver, Suzuka is perfect for driving one lap. But for a race, you can never overtake. At Fuji one lap is OK, but in a race if you are quicker than the guy in front you can have a chance to overtake him."

"Yes, it’s impressive. But I think that Fuji has changed a lot since I was there because they’ve built more stands and the facilities are better."

"Last year I was really surprised that so many Japanese fans cheered for us when I was driving with Super Aguri. That really gave me some power. So I’m looking forward to driving in front of them again. I also think my family and some friends are coming, so it will be good!"