Honda's famed Suzuka circuit presents an iconic mix of high-, medium- and low-speed corners, punctuated by a long straight, with its first sector's relentless Esses the ultimate challenge for drivers and their machinery.
Following the singularly abrasive tarmac of Bahrain and the unique layouts of Jeddah and Melbourne, many engineers expect Suzuka to be the best test yet of where their cars stack up in the pecking order.
"The way the calendar is this year, I think four races in we will have a pretty good idea [of where we are]," said Ferrari veteran Jock Clear.
"Japan is a hell of a circuit to measure a car. At that kind of circuit, you're going to find out a lot."
Mercedes technical director James Allison agreed, saying: "It is a track with plenty of fast corners and also some slow-ish hairpins, so a real test of the car."
This year the Japanese Grand Prix has shifted forward from its usual autumn date. That means that teams can more accurately gauge how their level of competitiveness has shifted compared to the end of last year and evaluate their progress across the winter.
Source: Autosport