UKGPL Season 39 (Autumn 2021) 1967 F1 (Works) - Suzuka - Oct 31

[Phil Thornton]

Season 39 – 1967 F1 (Works) – Round 5 – Suzuka
The fifth race in the 1967 F1 Works series takes us to Suzuka in Japan. In the late 1950s, Soichiro Honda decided to develop a new permanent circuit in Mie prefecture. He commissioned Dutchman John "Hans" Hugenholtz to build what would become a test track for Honda. It was completed in 1962. The track is unusual in that it features a "figure eight" layout, with the 1.2 km back straight passing over the front section by means of an overpass. It's one of only two FIA Grade 1 licensed tracks to have a "figure eight" layout, the other one being the Fiorano Circuit. In 1983 a chicane was inserted at the last curve to slow the cars into the pit straight; the original circuit was an incredibly fast track with only one slow corner; without the Casio chicane some cars would go through the final long right-hand corner flat out and then would go past the pits at more than 200 mph (320 km/h). In 1984 the first part of Spoon was made slightly slower and the corner was brought closer to the track to expand run-off area there, and in 1985 the first corner was made slightly slower. In 1987 the circuit was brought up to F1 standards to allow the Japanese Grand Prix to be held at Suzuka for the first time. The Degner curve was made into two corners instead of one long curve, more crash barriers and more run-off areas were added, exposed vegetation was barricaded off and straw bales were removed. It is this layout that we will use for tonight's race.

Please read the Season 39 general rules on the championship standings page.

Please read the specific rules for 67 Works series on the 67 Works championship standings page.

Race list	=	iGOR
Server	=	UKGPL04_60fps
IP address	=	86.6.125.152:32766
Date	=	31-10-2021
Track	=	Suzuka 2000
Track directory	=	suzu00
Mod	=	67GP with 60fpsV2newmod
Damage	=	PRO long
Race time	=	~ 21:30 UK time (GMT/UTC)
Qualifying	=	20:45 UK time - 45 minutes
Race length	=	20 laps
Replay	=	Here

Please restrict chat to emergency messages only including at the end of the race until ALL drivers still racing have crossed the line.

Only reported incidents will be moderated.

[JonnyO]

  How will the chicane limit be?

[Phil Thornton]

The Casio chicane is very tight so it is expected that drivers will "ride the kerbs".

The definition of corner cutting is on this page. It states:
"Riding the kerbs is permitted but there must always be at least two wheels within the track boundary at any one time."
Please note the kerbs are outside the track boundary.

The suggested penalties for corner cutting are on this page.

If any driver gains a place by missing the chicane, they should give the place back. Any driver who does not give the place back can expect a penalty which will be at least a demotion of the number of places they gained.

[Pete Bennett]

I''ve just seen the WORKS laptimes in this race. Wow!

[JonnyO]

This would be the worst track for me, a lot of medium and slow corners, which is worse for my style. Getting 3rd was the goal at first, luckily I managed to hold the lotuses at the beginning and keep myself in 3rd, it was as much as I could.

  Congratulations to Tristan and Uli, it was a beautiful dispute guys!

[Phil Thornton]

I''ve just seen the WORKS laptimes in this race. Wow!

It's all about consistency at this level. I posted my fastest lap on the final lap. Other than that I'd been circulating in the 2m16s, which was quick enough for a midfield place but not enough to trouble the leaders. Apart from a minor nudge from a re-joining car and a spin at the Casio chicane I had a pretty clear run. I'm quite pleased to post a reasonably competitive time in the Works, the pace here is red hot. I just need to work on my consistency!

[uli]

The winners please to the press interview (only an idea, maybe it's good for our community) 

Congratulation to my teammades Tristan and Johnny,
Fine to see three BT24 on the podium!
I felt good with my setup, but I was not in the best mood to go constantly a higher risk yesterday.
So Tristan was untouchable after his fantastic start. GRATS to your fantastic, precise ride.
It was a great pleasure to see you driving to the chicane, lap after lap on exact the same line!
I am looking forward to the next track, which is absolutely new for me.
cu 

[Doni Yourth]

Grats to our podium finishers!  Well done, chaps.

Bit of a wild and crazy affair for me.  Moved up a couple of places early on as some fell off the road but then got into some heated battles.  First was with Fulvio and I was holding my own up to making a poorish pass through the 130R and being slow to reach the chicane.  Fulvio made a move up on my right and I figured I was a goner til I took a quick peek with my 'Look Right' button and didn't see him just as I approached the Casio Triangle.  Fine, I'll take the corner.  NOPE!  FP did launch up the inside cleanly and we ran through there side-by-side with wheels within wheels.  How either of us got away from that without turning turtle or sustaining any damage is a mystery to me.  Fulvio had position on me as we exited the chicane and that was the last I saw of him.  Soon, I had Alain on my tail also in a Brabham.  We got into a heated battle and to be sure, he was faster and several times, I thought for a certainty he was coming through but he backed out of the pass attempt at the last moment.  I was particularly vulnerable on the run through the 200R and the approach to The Spoon.  I got the Cooper a little out of shape on acceleration and AM had every chance to pass but held firm.  It did not escape my notice that he was very fast coming up the hill in Dunlop and on Lap10, he seemed to be making a move to pass right.  That didn't quite come off and next lap, he tried it again.  A slight tap of my tail had my Cooper spin a full 360° and Alain went off taking Syd with him.  I recovered with little time loss and gained some seconds on my pursuers.  I never saw Alain again but Syd had the Lotus well up on the cam and closed in rapidly.  Soon, he was on my tail and the speed advantage of the Lotus was considerable on the straights.  Coming off the Casio Triangle on Lap19, Syd gunned me down with ease as we arrived at T1-T2 but he slid very wide.  I cut low and actually retook the place briefly.  Scrambling to get back on the line, I overdid my entry to the first of the S-curves and slipped off the road.  Syd did likewise but not as drastically.  He recovered in better shape than I did and I had no chance to counter-attack.  The Lotus was soon long gone and I managed to hang on ahead of Baab for a P8 placing.  Interesting ride.