2013 Japanese Grand Prix
The 2013 Japanese Grand Prix (formally known as the 2013 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix) was a Formula One motor race that was held on 13 October 2013 at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan. The race was the fifteenth round of the 2013 season, and marked the 39th running of the Japanese Grand Prix. The race, contested over 53 laps, was won by Sebastian Vettel, driving a Red Bull after starting from second on the grid. Mark Webber, who started on pole position, settled for second after being forced to switch to a three stop strategy, which in the end was not successful. Romain Grosjean took his second podium in succession in third position for Lotus F1. This was Red Bull's 14th one-two finish in Formula One.
| 2013 Japanese Grand Prix | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Race 15 of 19 in the 2013 Formula One World Championship | |||
|
Suzuka Circuit | |||
| Race details | |||
| Date | 13 October 2013 | ||
| Official name | 2013 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix | ||
| Location |
Suzuka Circuit Suzuka, Japan | ||
| Course | Permanent racing facility | ||
| Course length | 5.807 km (3.608 miles) | ||
| Distance | 53 laps, 307.471 km (191.054 miles) | ||
| Weather | Warm and sunny | ||
| Attendance | 171,000 | ||
| Pole position | |||
| Driver | Red Bull-Renault | ||
| Time | 1:30.915 | ||
| Fastest lap | |||
| Driver | Mark Webber | Red Bull-Renault | |
| Time | 1:34.587 on lap 44 | ||
| Podium | |||
| First | Red Bull-Renault | ||
| Second | Red Bull-Renault | ||
| Third | Lotus-Renault | ||
|
Lap leaders | |||
The result meant that the title was not sealed at Suzuka but Vettel could win the title with fifth place at the next race in India. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso stretched his lead to 30 points over Kimi Räikkönen but was still 90 behind Vettel's total. Räikkönen in turn also increased his lead over Lewis Hamilton to 16 points after the Briton retired from puncture damage after colliding with Vettel on lap one. The result also meant that only Alonso could deprive Vettel of becoming world champion as Hamilton and Räikkönen fell out of contention.