Japan Grand Prix: Times, schedule, how to watch, weather and lap record

The world's best drivers have arrived at Suzuka Circuit, Japan for the fourth race of the Formula 1 season. Ferrari arrive on a high following their one-two in Melbourne, while title favourites Red Bull will be keen to erase any memory of the race, following Verstappen's retirement and Perez's fifth placed finish. They are the only two teams to really stamp their names on this year's competition, with McLaren, Aston Martin and Mercedes all looking to kick on in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan Grand Prix times and schedule

Practice times

Free Practice One: 11:30 local time / 03:30 UK time – Friday 5th April

Free Practice Two: 15:00 local time / 07:00 UK time – Friday 5th April

Free Practice Three: 11:30 local time / 03:30 UK time – Saturday 6th April

Qualifying time

15:00 local time / 07:00 UK time – Saturday 6th April

Race time

14:00 local time / 06:00 UK time – Sunday 7th April

How to watch the Japan Grand Prix and TV channel

The Japanese Grand Prix is available on Sky Sports F1, with the highlights being shown on Channel 4 post-race.

Get the latest prediction, tips and odds ahead of the Japan Grand Prix.

Last year’s Japan Grand Prix winner and podium (2023)

1) Max Verstappen – Red Bull - 1:30:58.421

2) Lando Norris – McLaren - +19.387s

3) Oscar Piastri – McLaren - +36.494s

Japan Grand Prix most wins

Michael Schumacher tops the bill for driver with the most wins at Suzuka, the German won six times at the circuit throughout his illustrious career. Lewis Hamilton sits on five wins and will have one eye on the record, not only this weekend, but following his move to Ferrari.

McLaren are the leading constructors at Suzuka, with nine wins. The chasing pack aren't far behind though, as they are closely followed by Ferrari (seven), Mercedes (six) and Red Bull (six), all four teams come into this raceweek with a chance of winning.

Japan Grand Prix lap length

Suzuka Circuit has a lap length of 5.807 km (3.608 mi). It stands out as a unique race on the Formula 1 calendar due to the fact that it is the only 'figure of eight' circuit, with a tunnel under the straight between turns nine and ten.

Japan Grand Prix lap record

The lap record at the Suzuka Circuit was set by Lewis Hamilton in 2019, driving the Mercedes W10, the seven time World Champion achieved a lap time of 1:30.983.

Japan track temperature

The average track temperature at Suzuka Circuit sits between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F). The reason the range is so large is because the weather at the track can be very hit and miss, highlighted by this weekend's forecast below.

Japan Grand Prix weather forecast

The weather is looking rather unpredictable ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, with a chance of rain on all three days of the event.

Friday - A cool, cloudy but likely dry FP1, with an increasing chance of rain in the afternoon ahead of FP2. 15-20kph breezes expected in the afternoon, with highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 9°C (48°C).

Saturday - Overcast with a chance of light rain throughout the day, a chance of rain overnight on Saturday too. Very light breeze throughout the day with an expected high of 17°C (63°F) and low of 10°C (50°F).

Sunday - Moderate chance of rain in the morning, however an improvement is expected before the race with drier afternoon conditions and no breeze. The temperatures will see a high of 18°C (64°F) and low of 12°C (54°F).