What do you like about the Japanese Grand Prix ?
Japan is a unique Grand Prix and one of the races I look forward to during the year. Everything about it makes it special. The track is one of the best, the fans are very passionate and amongst the most enthusiastic of the season and it’s just a special weekend. Rain or dry, day and night the fans are there to support you and that’s really nice to experience.

What makes Suzuka a favourite amongst drivers ?
Suzuka is a circuit I’ve always enjoyed racing at. Most drivers love it there because it brings so many challenges. In these modern Formula 1 cars, it’s incredible to drive. It flows sector by sector, has elevation changes and some amazing corners like the Degners, Spoon and 130R. It’s also quite physical on the body there with the repeated changes of direction. It’s a real drivers’ lap where you have to be absolutely on it to do well.

What’s the feeling in the team after Singapore and Russia ?
It’s obvious we missed out on points in Singapore and Russia and that’s frustrating given our competitive pace and qualifying positions. We’re still in the battle for fourth. We have to focus race by race and extract everything from the weekend. Our Sunday’s especially have to be cleaner, but that’s down to a range of factors : on my side, on the team’s side and some things we can’t control. We have to target big points in Japan.