Eau Rouge.
Tamburello.
Maggotts/Becketts/Chapel.
130R.
These are all names of classic corners at various F1 circuits and each one conjures a special meaning or memory for every F1 fan around the world. Each corner or series of turns is special in its own way, whether it poses an ultimate challenge to the most seasoned driver or strikes a sense of nostalgia for fans. The one name that sticks out from the rest is 130R. So what’s in a name like that?
For the uninitiated 130R is the name given to turn 14 at Suzuka Circuit in Japan. Originally built in 1962 this track was a Honda test circuit but having hosted 19 Grands Prix it has become a fan and driver favourite on the calendar. There are many special features which make Suzuka so special; whether it’s the S curves in the first sector or the unique crossover figure eight design. This track also has some excellent high speed corners along its 5.807 kilometre length. Defining corners like the double apex Spoon curves but the grand daddy of them all is the lefthander 130R. The number simply refers to the radius of the turn.; 130 metre Radius corner. Despite the simple name this piece of paved road has become ingrained in the minds of fans as a challenge to any driver’s skill and bravery. Driver’s need to flick the car to the left at great speed all the time maintaining a line that will let them setup for the upcoming chicane leading to the pit straight.
There has been heartache and tragedy at this auspicious corner. Heartache struck most recently when Allan McNish suffered a high speed crash through the corner in 2002. It was his last F1 race and for many of his fans it was a bitter way to end the career if this much liked F1 driver. Following this crash and with mounting concern over track safety it was decided to modify 130R in 2003. However with a cruel and ironic blow Daijiro Kato, a MotoGP rider, was killed at the modified section of track.
For the record the new modified 130R is in fact a double apex turn with radii of 85 and 340 metres. 85R and 340R just doesn’t sound the same. Does it?
interesting to note that this was the very same corner that produced a spectacular passing move today… did you know this in advance Zad?
I’m just _that_ good NooD!!
Ive never really liked Suzuka (too sterile for me) and thats still a terrific post.
130R is brilliant, but if I were asked to vote for the best corner in the calendar, it would have to be the Tamburello (before the change following Senna’s demise). It was a brilliant 140 degreeleft-hander, taken at 100-odd miles an hour. Sadly, today, it is nothing more than a chicane.
But yes, 130R this year played host to Alonso’s coming of age – to me, the biggest moment of the 2005 season.
I never liked Tamburello – it was just a dull turn, ok at high speed but not interesting to me
My favourite corner in F1 history is the uphill stretch in Spa before the Bus Stop chicane….absolutely brilliant
I also love the back section of Brands Hatch and Druids