2004 Japanese Grand Prix

Previous race

Barrichello won from pole in Shanghai for a second consecutive victory, with Button second and Räikkönen third. Schumacher started from the pit lane after an engine change, was further delayed by contact with Klien and a spin, and finished twelfth. Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher collided while disputing seventh place; both were sidelined by damage. Villeneuve finished eleventh on his return to Formula One.

Between-race developments

Jarno Trulli makes his first start for Toyota, having missed the Chinese Grand Prix during the mid-season transition from Renault. Olivier Panis races at Suzuka in what is his final Formula One appearance; he has retired from his race seat but will remain with Toyota as test driver.

Typhoon Ma-on hit Japan ahead of the race weekend, causing widespread damage across the country and forcing the cancellation of all Saturday running. Both qualifying sessions take place on Sunday morning on a damp but drying track.