After the highly surprising and successful Singapore Night race, we move to the Fuji Motorspeedway in Japan, where there is a possibility of history repeating itself. That's certainly what Mclaren fans will be hoping for anyway as, last year, Lewis Hamilton dominated and his current teammate, Heikki Kovalainen, came home second in his Renault.

The Japanese Grand Prix was highly entertaining last year.

The weather was bad, the conditions were tricky, Fernando Alonso crashed out heavily whilst trying to catch teammate and fierce rival Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel was on for a podium and crashed into the back of an incredibly ill Mark Webber who was suffering from Food poisoning and was sick in his helmet all whilst running second.

The Images of Vettel with head in hands crying against a set of tyres in the Torro Rosso garage sticks in the mind. Since then, he has gotten stronger and stronger, winning his first Grand Prix in Monza, well ahead of schedule in.

I feel he is much better equipped this time around to deal with wet conditions and safety cars, if any either should be present occur.

Felipe Massa and Robert Kubica had a fantastic battle in the last few laps, almost resulting in two more DNF's as they slid into each other's paths and went off the track.

The race was nearly cancelled due to heavy rain and fog limiting visibility. If the emergency helicopter can't take off, the race doesn't happen.

Thankfully, the fog cleared up and the race went ahead; good job really as a few million brits who woke at four in the morning so as not to miss it would of been not best pleased had it been cancelled.

It was one of the more memorable races of a highly bitter 2007 season I'm sure you will all agree.

The Circuit:

The Fuji Motor Speedway is situated in the foothills of Mount Fuji, Oyama, Sunto District, and Shizuoka.

It was recently added back to the calendar in 2007 after a 30 year absence from the F1 World Championship due to safety concerns.

The Japanese Grand Prix now alternates two seasons at a time between the legendary Suzuka circuit and the Toyota owned Fuji speedway.

The circuit is used for Formula 1, JLMC, and Japan GT races.

It is 4.563 Kilometres, or 2.835 miles, in distance per lap.

There are 16 corners in all, with the famous 300 R, The Dunlop Curve, The Coca Cola section and turn 16 The Panasonic.

Lap Record: Lewis Hamilton, Mclaren in 2007 in 1: 28.193

Last Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton, Mclaren 2007.

Last Winner: Lewis Hamilton, Mclaren 2007.

 

My Thoughts on the title run-in:

Ferrari will be looking to bounce back here after a disaster in Singapore, where both Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa failed to score. Massa was on fire in Singapore, until the traffic light system let him and the team down again. Kimi was doing great until Nelson Piquet's Renault obliterated itself against the wall, bringing out the safety car .

That was where the problems started for the defending champion, who could not find the pace to get back on top afterwards. It all ended with a quite bemusing crash into the wall after the chicane which used those silly little humps, although Kimi should not have been in that wall at all, you could see the disbelief in his face as he stood and watched.

However, you can't keep Ferrari down. As much as you may hate or love them, only a fool would write off the prancing horses. As a Mclaren fan, I'm taking nothing for granted until that trophy is in Lewis' hands come Brazil; Massa will be back in the hunt without question .

Can Lewis refrain from the errors last season that ended in that "so close but no cigar" conclusion? I think he has matured nicely this season and will take the Japanese GP this year too.

As hated as he is, no one can deny he has been more consistent this season in terms of getting the points rather than losing them after going all out; Singapore proved this as he eased the car home third.

I think it will go to the wire, but I'm certain this is Hamilton's year.

Most have written off Kimi "The Iceman" too. But, he was 17 points behind with two races remaining last year and won the title. This year, he is more or less in the same position. It will all make for an interesting finale to this great season.

If Robert Kubica can Grab the win in Fuji, it will put him within a distant chance of the title or second place; not bad to say since BMW Sauber's car has had a somewhat mixed season. I think fourth in the title will be pleasing enough for the young Pole, who has stamped his mark firmly on F1.

My Prediction for Japan :

1.  L Hamilton, Mclaren

2.  H Kovalainen, Mclaren

3.  F Massa, Ferrari

4 . F Alonso, Renault

5 .K Raikkonen, Ferrari

6.  S Vettel, STR Ferrari

7.  R Kubica, BMW Sauber

8.  T Glock, Toyota

 

So there you have it. I'm betting on Lewis extending his lead here, especially if the conditions are the same as last year.

I've predicted a Mclaren one-two, as I think history could repeat itself. Plus, it will be nice to see a one-two for the boys in silver before the season ends. If Mclaren do qualify first and second, then Heikki can be Lewis' rear gunner and steer home the 18 points, and possibly one hand on the title .

Watch out for the recently Rejuvenated Fernando Alonso, who may spoil the party. He is back on a high after taking his first win in exactly 12 months.

The Spaniard immediatly won back my respect with his performance in Singapore and his showing of mutual respect with Lewis after the race had finished; his season in the doldrums has matured him greatly.

What do you think Bleachers? Who will win, who will take a huge stride closer to the title, and who's dreams are about to be shattered? Are my predictions off the mark ?**

I'm sorry I've not been around recently to bore you all with my excruciating articles. I was taking a break. But, love me or hate me, I am back. **