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Hartley looking forward to Japanese race weekend ahead of Suzuka debut

Hartley looking forward to Japanese race weekend ahead of Suzuka debut

03-10-2018 14:45
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Jake Williams-Smith

Brendon Hartley admits he is very much looking forward to the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, with the Kiwi set to drive the Suzuka circuit for the first time in his F1 career.

Speaking in the team's preview ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Hartley admitted that although he has raced in Japan before, the challenge of Suzuka would be brand new to him and would be one he will relish.

"I have raced four times in Japan in the World Endurance Championship, but it’s always been at the Fuji circuit.

"I had some success there, with one win and a couple of third places and I always enjoyed experiencing the passion of the Japanese fans. I’m expecting a huge amount of support in Suzuka for Honda and Toro Rosso.

Being Honda powered, it will be an important race for us and I hope we can put on a good show and deliver some points for the Japanese fans and the all the Honda guys.”

Honda is set to reintroduce the upgraded power unit they tested in Sochi for their home event, with recalibration and last minute tweaks being made between Russia and Japan.

Their update is potentially a big one too, with some paddock insiders suggesting that the upgrade will bring 0.5s-0.6s per lap, a jump in power that would put them on level terms with Force India.