An additional weekend off from racing has given us a week longer than expected to mentally prepare for the excitement of returning to Singapore and Japan for the first time since 2019.

During the time off, we totted up several 100 reasons why we love the two races, which ranged from the on-track action provided by Suzuka's famous 130R turn and the section of Singapore's Marina Bay Street Circuit that travels beneath a grandstand, to their culinary excellence and stunning scenery.

Thankfully, we had enough time left to whittle it down to just five…

1 | The tracks are iconic

Starting with the obvious, but the tracks are mega. Suzuka is one of the calendar's oldest and most celebrated circuits, while Marina Bay has forged a reputation as a modern classic.

The Marina Bay Street Circuit rivals Monaco when it comes to F1's most glamourous racetracks, with a harbourside location that sparkles during the night-time sessions.

With a route that features several stunning skyscrapers, the famous Anderson Bridge and the towering Singapore Flyer observation wheel, the circuit would make for an eye-catching sightseeing tour for the grid, were they not travelling at such high speeds - certain sectors of the track have previously seen cars hit 200mph. And as we’ve already mentioned, the 18th and 19th turns on the Marina Bay Street Circuit even travel underneath a grandstand. 

Meanwhile, Suzuka needs little introduction. The overtaking opportunities are not only plentiful but also breathtaking. There are few more challenging sectors than the first in Japan, featuring an uphill climb into the famed first Esses.

Most circuits would be satisfied with just the one iconic section, but Suzuka has two. The 130R – named for its 130-metre radius – may no longer be true to its name, but it retains its fan-favourite status as both a tough challenge and a key overtaking opportunity.

2 | They've hosted some epic races in the past

Suzuka has had a habit of deciding titles in McLaren’s favour, with Ayrton Senna clinching the crown there in 1988, 1990 and 1991, Alain Prost in 1989, and Mika Häkkinen in 1998 and 1999.

We're the Japanese Grand Prix's most successful side with nine wins, and several of those victories would make a list of Suzuka's most-entertaining races. Senna and Prost's '89 and '90 clashes live long in the memory, with the pair colliding at Suzuka in successive seasons – the first while McLaren teammates, and the second after Prost had switched to Ferrari.

And who could forget Kimi Räikkönen’s famous 2005 victory, when he started from 17th and clambered his way through the field to overtake long-time race leader Giancarlo Fisichella on the final lap.

Our history in Singapore may not be quite as storied, given the circuit only made its debut on the F1 calendar in 2008, but we do have success to speak of, having won the street track's second race. Lewis Hamilton's dominant 2009 victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit – referred to at the time as "coolly controlled genius" – was a classic, with the then-reigning World Champion showcasing his dominance to win from pole with a buffer of 9.6s over Timo Glock.

3 | They present unique challenges

Singapore is known as the most physically challenging race on the calendar, with drivers often undertaking specialised training programmes to prepare.

Inside the cockpit, temperatures can reach a sauna-like 60 degrees Celsius, while outside of it, the ambient temperature rarely drops below 30. With upwards of 80% humidity, this can see drivers sweat off as much as 3kg of weight during a race. A lap of the Marina Bay Street Circuit is full-on, with 23 corners to navigate and several heavy braking zones, it’s a real workout.

In addition, the circuit's length, lower average speed and the tendency for Safety Car stoppages means that races can last as long as two hours.

Japan might not be quite the same physical challenge as the energy-sapping Singapore GP, but given that it takes place just a week later, the recovery time is short. It also has its own unique challenges, such as the aforementioned first sector, which sees drivers pull high G-forces.

Although less physically demanding than Singapore, Suzuka is a real test of a driver, requiring plenty of commitment with little to no room for error.

4 | They provide an incredible setting

Whether you're watching on from home or in attendance and able to immerse yourselves within it, you'll likely be intoxicated by the fantastic cultures of Singapore and Japan.

Singapore marks the end of the European season, and the change in surroundings is on display no sooner than when the plane lands, courtesy of Singapore's famous Changi Airport, which boasts beautiful botanical gardens and a waterfall. There's also a cinema and a swimming pool.

Once outside the airport, you'll not fail to notice the stunning Marina Bay Skyline, while the city-state has a reputation for being extremely clean and full of greenery.

Japan has many, many highlights, whether it's Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, anime, Pokémon, karaoke or Mario Kart, and that's before we've even approached the subject of food (we'll get there, don't worry). Japan is full of beautiful sights and cutting-edge ideas.

And for all of the foodies out there, Japan is for you. If you're watching from home, there are few better ways to get into the spirit than food, whether you're trying your hand at sushi, crunching into some tempura or ordering in ramen.

5 | The fans are passionate and fun

There are few tracks on the planet as good for supporters as Singapore, and so it's no surprise that 268,000 people attended the last Singapore Grand Prix between Friday and Sunday. Not bad for a country with a population of less than six million.

It has several excellent viewpoints, such as the grandstand at the first corner, which provides views of the start and the opening three turns. There's also a party-like atmosphere, bustling fan zones, and a live music stage.

The Japanese supporters are, arguably, on another level. The country's passionate fans fill the grandstands from Thursday morning onwards, dressed in funky homemade team wear, which has previously included entire race suits and McLaren cars as headwear, complete with fully-operational DRS.

Let us know what you love about the Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix using #FansLikeNoOther on Twitter. Don't forget that you can follow all of the action with LIVE coverage on the McLaren App.

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