Video: Suzuka’s 130R is the best corner in the world

Throughout an F1 season, there are a handful of corners that push the drivers to the absolute limit in terms of bravery and skill. As the cars have become more capable over the years, the list of challenges has reduced, but the likes of Eau Rouge and Raidilon at Spa, Turns 11 and 12 at Albert Park, and 130R remain severe challenges that each driver looks forward to tackling.

And my word is 130R a corner that gets your attention. This video highlights exactly how edgy a Formula 1 car can be through this incredibly high-speed left-hander – especially in the earlier years of the late 1980s, when the likes of Ayrton Senna were shifting down a gear, with a manual stick, and slinging the car in. Having the bravery to believe the car is going to stick at well over 150mph is something we at GRR struggle to fathom. It would take a few build-up laps put it that way.

As if closing your eyes and turning left wasn’t quite enough, there also used to be a huge bump on the apex of 130R. Riding onboard with Michael Schumacher in his Ferrari in 1997 you can see just how unsettled the car gets. And then as if dealing with all of that wasn’t enough, by 2001 we were beginning to see these drivers take this incredible corner absolutely flat out.

That bump was ironed out for 2004, which took away some of the challenge, but modern F1 cars are now taking 130R at speeds of up to 190mph. That’s just mad. And honestly, just incredible. As a result, this video is actually quite stressful to watch, and pretty wince-inducing, but stick it out, because it’s worth it.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: This wet Bathurst onboard is the best driving you’ll see today

Image courtesy of Motorsport Images.