Formula 1®
DHL Fastest Lap Award: 2015 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
The 2015 Formula 1 season has now moved into a decisive phase. After the disappointing race weekend in Singapore, Mercedes struck back with a vengeance in the FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX at Suzuka. But it was not only on the track that the teams put in a sterling performance; the back-to-back scheduling of the races in Singapore and at Suzuka also demanded a superhuman effort from the logisticians in the paddock.
As soon as the glamorous night race on the street circuit in Singapore had come to an end, the Formula 1 entourage were given only three days to transport the team freight over the 5,000km distance to Suzuka. Each team takes around 30 tonnes to each overseas race. DHL is responsible for transporting the racing cars, engines, tires, spare parts and team equipment. In addition, DHL transports the TV equipment, racing fuel and all the material for the Paddock Club VIP area.
Upon arrival, the weekend for Lewis Hamilton proceeded as if the problems of the Singapore race had been a mere blip. The British ace and his team-mate Nico Rosberg qualified for the first row. After Hamilton prevailed in an exciting duel with Rosberg on the first corner, he cruised to an easy victory, his eighth of the season and the 41st of his career. In terms of race wins, he is now on level pegging with his great idol Ayrton Senna.
Determined to give his pursuers no chance of closing the gap, the reigning champion clocked the fastest time of the race (01:36.145 minutes) on Lap 33, two laps after his second pit stop. "When you have the balance and the car is doing what you want it to do, and you're attacking through the corners, there's no better feeling," said Hamilton.
The teams face their next logistical and sporting challenge before and during the 2015 FORMULA 1 RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX. This will be held on the weekend of 9th - 11th October at the Sochi Autodrom which made its debut as a Formula 1 venue last year.
As with all the races, you can again play the DHL Fastest Lap Game on Facebook and pick the driver who will set the fastest lap. Why not sign in now and join in!
Fastest race laps: 2015 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
01 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 01:36.145 - on lap 33
02 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 01:37.147 - on lap 31
03 Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 01:37.906 - on lap 32
04 Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) 01:38.035 - on lap 32
05 Pastor Maldonado (Lotus) 01:38.136 - on lap 39
06 Romain Grosjean (Lotus) 01:38.167 - on lap 35
07 Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) 01:38.237 - on lap 32
08 Valtteri Bottas (Williams) 01:38.241 - on lap 41
09 Nico Hülkenberg (Force India) 1:38,331 - on lap 43
10 Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) 01:38.366 - on lap 36
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