Tsunoda ready to reunite with Suzuka and take the reins at AlphaTauri

Besides the fact that the Formula 1 finds him after 3 years of absence, the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix will have a very special meaning for a member of the grid: Yuki tsunoda. The only representative of the Land of the Rising Sun in the paddock, the Nippon will have the opportunity to perform in front of his audience for the first time since his arrival in the great circus in 2021. A very special moment for the one who has proven himself within from the Suzuka Racing School younger.

« It's great to be here, he admitted with a smile on his lips at a press conference. As soon as I arrived at the airport there were a lot of people waiting for me, also at the hotel. I went to the front of the main stand this (Thursday) morning, and even though the number of tickets was limited for this Thursday, there were a lot of people. I'm definitely having my best days since I've been in F1. I can't wait to start the weekend. »

Benefit from past experience

Not necessarily having his best season in terms of outright results, Yuki Tsunoda knows that this Japanese Grand Prix represents a great opportunity for him. Looking for results and confidence to best attack your 3^e year in F1 in 2023, the native of Sagamihara is aware that a good performance in front of his audience could revive him for the end of the season. And to get there, the local intends to use his experience on site, having competed in 2 full F4 Japan campaigns (2017-2018) and winning 3 of his 4 races at Suzuka.

« I drove here in Formula 4 about 4 years ago I would say and the last time I raced here I won, he recalls. It was a nice way to end. I was running 2'06 or 2'07, something like that. I was 40 seconds slower (than an F1). Even in the simulator I quickly understood that it was going to be faster than when I was riding here. I really like Suzuka, I've done over 10 laps or something like that. There shouldn't be any pitfalls for me but I know it will be different with an F000 car. »

Beyond his personal experience, Yuki Tsunoda could also count on the support of his compatriots. Coming en masse this Thursday in the stands of the enclosure where the face of the person concerned is displayed in large format, the local supporters intend to make themselves heard on Sunday in order to push their protégé.

« It's really cool, appreciate the pilot Alpha Tauri. I don't feel any pressure (additional) because it's really hard to imagine that I'm driving on site when I was a spectator a few years ago and now I'm performing in front of the fans, so it's really hard to imagine. I wasn't expecting the posters on me to be completely honest. It gives me extra strength for the weekend."

Tsunoda new strongman of AlphaTauri in 2023?

Pierre Gasly more than ever on the start (Alpine in pole position to welcome it), Yuki Tsunoda should be the new spearhead. Recently extended for 2023 et soon associated with Nyck de Vries, pilot foreign to the universe Red Bull, the Japanese should thus find themselves propelled into leadership of the Italian structure. A costume that he says he is ready to wear even if he is aware that he still needs to step up his game.

« I still have a lot to learn in these last 5 races, from Pierre for example, he points. Mistakes like the one made in Singapore must be reduced, as well as penalties, all these unnecessary things. I need to improve on these aspects but on the other hand I am very happy with my pure speed over one lap. I'm quite happy with my progress. I have to continue this dynamic until next year (...) I still have things to learn but I'm pretty confident about leading the team. » It's up to him to approach these last 5 meetings in the best possible way to build up his confidence for his 3^e year in F1.

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