1994 Japanese Grand Prix

Championship standings

Going into Suzuka, Schumacher leads the Drivers’ Championship with 86 points; Hill is second on 81, five points behind. Schumacher felt he was “very confident” about the race; Hill similarly declared that he was “positive.”

Previous race

At Jerez, Schumacher won from pole by 24.6 seconds over Hill. Hill had the lead after the pit stop sequence but his team sent him out too early without enough fuel, forcing a second stop — he rejoined more than 20 seconds behind. Mansell and Barrichello made contact while fighting for position; both had to pit. Häkkinen finished third, Irvine fourth.

Between-race developments

Benetton have signed Johnny Herbert from Ligier for the final two races to assist in the Constructors’ battle; Verstappen, who had been at Benetton since mid-season, has no drive for the remaining rounds. Herbert’s place at Ligier goes to Franck Lagorce, promoted from test duties. Éric Bernard, who moved to Lotus at the European GP, is replaced by Mika Salo — who has been racing in Japanese Formula 3000 and has never previously driven a Formula One car. Taki Inoue joins Simtek on a one-race deal for his home event, replacing Schiattarella. JJ Lehto takes the second Sauber for the final two races following Andrea de Cesaris’s sudden retirement from motorsport.

Mercedes-Benz have ended months of speculation and confirmed their return to Formula One as an engine supplier — for McLaren from 1995. Eddie Jordan immediately announced a works Peugeot engine deal for his team for next season.