Welcome to the World of
Motorsports!
You want to watch the race, but
"The commentary is difficult, and I'm worried I won't understand..." "The action is so fast, I might not be able to keep up..."
Aren't you worried about that?
Knowing commonly used race terms will greatly enhance your enjoyment of watching the races.
First, let's learn the basics of motorsports together!
Motorsports Terminology Guide
Qualifying
Qualifying determines the starting order for the final race. In F1, a system called the "knockout format" is used, where only drivers who set fast times advance to the next stage. Because of this, intense battles unfold right from qualifying, creating a truly "survival"-like scenario.
Pole Position
The front-most position where the driver or rider who records the fastest time in qualifying can start the final race. Even if they are top in qualifying, the ranking can change significantly in the final race depending on strategy and developments, so attention is focused on the outcome of the race.
Formation Lap / Warm-Up Lap
Before the start of the final race, each vehicle completes one lap of the course from their respective starting positions (starting grid) and then lines up again in the same positions. This lap is called the "Formation Lap" or "Warm-Up Lap" and is conducted to check the condition of the vehicles and to adjust the tire temperatures.
Fastest Lap
The fastest time recorded during the final race is called the "Fastest Lap." This time is continuously updated as the race progresses, drawing attention to the lap times each driver or rider sets for each circuit.
Overtake
Overtaking refers to passing the machine running ahead during the race to improve your position. It is a highly challenging technique that requires advanced skill and precise timing, but races with many overtakes tend to be intense and very exciting to watch.
Check with Plus＋!
Do you know the name of that place?
Leader Tower
An information tower that displays real-time race positions and lap times.
It serves as an important checkpoint during viewing, as you can check each driver’s and rider’s position changes and time differences.
It is also equipped with functions to display text information and images, and during race events, event logos may be shown.
Grid
The starting positions arranged in order of fastest times based on the results of qualifying (time attack).
Each grid is numbered, clearly indicating the position where the vehicle must stop.
In many races, before the start, vehicles go out on the course once (formation lap, warm-up lap) to confirm their grid positions, after which the race begins.
The starting position greatly influences the race development, so drivers and riders fiercely compete from the qualifying rounds onward.
Podium (Award Stand)
This is the place to honor the efforts of drivers and riders who have endured the grueling race.
Standing on this award stand is a prestigious position reserved only for the top 3 individuals (or top 3 teams) among many participants.
A ceremony corresponding to the results is held during the awards ceremony, and at the end, a glamorous presentation celebrates the winners with a sparkling fight.
The sight of the athletes who have achieved glory deeply moves the spectators.
Motorsports Flags
Flags are used to communicate the course conditions from officials who monitor the track and support race operations to the drivers and riders on the course.
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Checkered Flag
A flag indicating the end of the race. It is also widely known as the flag symbolizing the race.
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Yellow Flag
A signal indicating danger. Overtaking is prohibited beyond the point where this flag is displayed.
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Orange Ball Flag
A signal indicating that a mechanical trouble has occurred with the vehicle. It can be restarted after repairs in the pit.
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Green Flag
A signal that the course is clear. It is also displayed at the next marshal post (hut) after the yellow flag ends, and in that case, acceleration and overtaking become allowed.
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Red Flag
A signal indicating the suspension of running due to danger. Because there is a hazardous area, drivers and riders must immediately stop the competition and slowly return to a designated location at the slowest possible speed or a speed at which they can stop.
Vehicles Essential for Safe Race Management
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Marshal Car
This vehicle quickly rushes to the scene when trouble occurs on the course, prioritizing safety above all else. It alerts those around it with sirens and strobe lights.
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Safety Car
This vehicle is responsible for controlling the speed and formation of the machines on the track to respond to dangerous situations that occur during the race. At SUZUKA CIRCUIT, experienced drivers who are thoroughly familiar with the course operate this vehicle, supporting safe race management.
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Advanced Life Support Ambulance
A dedicated vehicle for rescuing and providing first aid to drivers and riders injured during the race. It is equipped with numerous medical devices such as oxygen inhalers and AEDs, featuring facilities akin to a mobile hospital. In emergencies, it offers swift and precise response, making it an extremely reliable presence.
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Road Sweeper
A specialized vehicle that cleans the racing course while driving, removing accumulated sand and worn tire debris. Equipped with brushes and suction devices on both sides, it efficiently cleans the course and contributes to maintaining a safe driving environment, especially during race events, through swift operations. The collected debris is stored in a tank at the rear of the vehicle and is properly disposed of once it reaches a certain amount.
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2 wheels recovery truck
The 2 wheels recovery truck is useful when a motorcycle stops on the racing course.
Unlike a typical truck, this vehicle is equipped with a large cart attached to the rear, allowing it to move close to the stopped motorcycle, safely load it, and transport it to the pit. -
Crane Truck
A specialized vehicle used to safely recover four-wheeled machines that have stopped on the racing course. It is equipped with a crane behind the driver's seat that can lift, load, and transport the machine. It plays an especially important role in rescuing formula cars due to its mobility and high work efficiency.
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Hydraulic Cutter Vehicle
Although it looks similar to a regular vehicle, it is a specialized vehicle equipped with special rescue equipment.
As the name suggests, it is equipped with a "hydraulic cutter" that uses hydraulic power to cut and expand obstacles, and is used for rescue operations on parts of accident vehicles such as doors and bodies that cannot be moved by human strength.
This vehicle plays a very important role in supporting quick and safe rescue operations. -
Firefighting Equipment Vehicle
Although it resembles a typical wagon vehicle in appearance, it is a specialized vehicle equipped with high firefighting capabilities. The firefighting equipment mounted at the rear of the vehicle can discharge water at high pressure, allowing for rapid response to extinguish fires threatening machines. Due to its high performance, it is even referred to as a mini fire truck.
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Water Truck
A specialized vehicle that sprays water stored in a tank mounted on the rear of the vehicle. When a large amount of dirt accumulates on the racing course, it sprays water over a wide area all at once to clean the track surface. To perform more efficient cleaning operations, it sometimes works in coordination with the road sweeper.
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Oil Sweeper
A dedicated vehicle for removing oil spilled on the track during the race.
Since driving over spilled oil can cause crashes or falls, a quick and reliable response is required. -
Doctor Car
A dedicated vehicle carrying doctors and nurses that dispatches directly to accident scenes to provide initial treatment.
In motorsports, it supports safe race management by standing by near the course to respond quickly when a driver is injured.
