FIA limit spark debate as only two straight mode zones allowed at Suzuka

More specifically, drivers will be able to deploy the active aero — opening both the front and rear wings — in two clearly defined zones. One of these is the start-finish straight, immediately after exiting the final chicane.

The other is the long back straight that begins just after the Spoon curves and leads into the iconic 130R, a corner that has produced some of the most memorable overtakes in Formula 1 history.

However, it is also the section that raises the biggest concerns over potential super clipping, with the risk that the battery could be depleted before the heavy braking zone at the start of the final sector.

The FIA have confirmed the line-up for Thursday’s press conference at Suzuka, with the seven-time and four-time world champions not included as they will be carrying out other media duties.

Proceedings will get underway at 12:30 local time (03:30 GMT), with Franco Colapinto, Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc forming the opening group. They will be followed at 13:00 local time (04:00 GMT) by Oliver Bearman, Lando Norris and Liam Lawson.

The team principals’ press conference is scheduled for the following day at 13:30 local time (04:30 GMT), where Ayao Komatsu, Koji Watanabe and Andrea Stella will face questions from the media.