The last two races have been enlivened by the appearance of the Safety Car, a move which kicked new life into what had become processions. Though Sebastian Vettel went on to win both races, it (temporarily) offered the promise of someone giving him a fight for the lead even if that threat never materialised.

Behind him however, in both races, there was some excellent dicing throughout the field, with tyre strategy adding extra spice.

Since the Grand Prix returned to Suzuka in 2009 the Safety Car has made at least one appearance each year so it is quite possible that we will see it make an appearance here today... not that races at this classic circuit usually need such artificial enlivening.

That said, all eyes will be focussed on the front of the grid where Mark Webber sits on pole for the first time since Korea 2012, just a few feet ahead of his teammate.

The 'usual suspects' have run headlines that the Australian will not “help” his teammate today but why should he. At the same time, 'Aussie Grit' - who admitted that taking pole was somewhat hollow - due to the fact that Vettel had a KERS issue - would not want to be handed a token win before he heads off to Sports Cars.

While everyone will be hoping that something happens, if only to hold off the inevitable - Vettel winning the title - for another couple of weeks.

Asked light not if he would like to wrap things up this weekend, Christian Horner told the BBC, "well I'm sure Bernie would like us to spin it out to Brazil..." Never a truer word was spoken.

While Red Bull has locked-out the front row, Mercedes and Lotus have been threatening all weekend, even though, once again, Kimi Raikkonen leaves himself with it all to do this afternoon.

Since the opening session we have seen drivers caught out by this fabulous track, with others really pushing their luck. Though there are plenty of over generous run-offs here, the circuit is unforgiving to those that don't show it the fullest respect, as Adrian Sutil, Pastor Maldonado, Sergio Perez and Kimi Raikkonen will tell you.

While, as in Korea, the threatened storm never arrived, the wind has caused problems, especially yesterday, while the difference in temperate on Friday and Saturday led to a much grippier track, even Jenson Button was happy.

Though some insist on pushing the various permutations that might yet see Fernando Alonso take the title, other than something drastic it is not got going to happen. However, despite the equipment at his disposal, like Raikkonen, we can probably look forward to another strong performance today.

It is the fight behind that really excites, as those drivers yet to secure a seat for 2014 - currently about 15 or 16 of them - do their best to retain their current drive or find an alternative. We're talking the likes of Massa, Hulkenberg, Perez, di Resta, Sutil and Maldonado.

On the other hand, after four successive DNFs, the Scot will be happy to see the chequered flag this afternoon.

Tyres are the hard (prime) and medium (option), with around 0.5s between them. Also, unlike previous tracks there is no significant "drop-off".

As two-stop strategy is theoretically the quickest way to go. The fastest strategy should be to start on the medium, change to medium again on lap 20 and then change to the hard on lap 37. An alternative could be: start on the medium, switch to hard on lap 20, and hard tyre again on lap 37.

As in 2012 there is one DRS zone, albeit a little bit longer than last year.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Paul C, 15/10/2013 3:31

"Thanks for the great report. Bernie has never liked seeing the WDC wrapped up earlier than the last race. I expect to see Susan Boyle in Planet Paddock for the Brazil race."

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2. Posted by JackTheCat, 14/10/2013 9:23

"I was working away this weekend, but made sure I had a hotel room with a decent(ish) TV so I could get up early and watch the race.

A few laps in I here the radio message from Red Bull 'if you can't overtake him easily drop 2 seconds back to conserve your tyres'...... my heart just sank, this is NOT what F1 should be about!!

We want to see drivers racing hard, this tiptoeing at 95% all he time is killing the spectacle in some ways and wrecking the careers of true racers like Alonso and Hamiltion to be frank!"

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Vettel wins at Suzuka

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