circuits: Japan

SUZUKA

Image courtesy Renault F1Overview

Designed as a Honda test track in 1962 by John Hugenholtz, Suzuka is one of few circuits in the world to have a figure 8 layout. Obviously, due to the danger of an intersecting track, the track doesn't actually intersect with itself; instead, the back straight passes over the front section by means of an overpass.

The track is a very technical one to drive and consists of a good variety of corners, then the return section is a series of sweeping, fast curves, where drivers experience high G-forces.  At nearly 6km in length, it is one of the longest tracks on the international calendar. 

The circuit can be used in three configurations; the full circuit, the "Suzuka East" and "Suzuka West" configuration. The "East" portion of the course consists of the pit straight to the first half of the Dunlop curve (turn 7), before leading back to the pit straight via a tight right-hander. The "West" course is made up of the other part of the full circuit, with the pitlane located at the straight before the 130R corner.

Suzuka is one of the oldest remaining tracks of the Formula One World Championship, and so has a long history of races as venue of the Japanese Grand Prix. Its traditional role as one of the last Grands Prix of the season means numerous World Championships have been decided at the track.

Suzuka was dropped from the Formula One calendar for the 2007 and 2008 seasons in favour of the Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway, after the latter underwent a transformation and redesign by circuit designer Hermann Tilke. Suzuka and Fuji were to alternate hosting the Japanese Grand Prix from 2009. However, after Fuji announced on July 2009 that it would no longer be part of the F1 calendar, Suzuka signed a deal to host the Japanese Grand Prix in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The circuit closed for a year in order for the renovation to make it F1-compliant for 2009, with the last major event held on November 18, 2007, although some annual events (for instance, the Suzuka 8 Hours and 1000km Suzuka) were still held. The track held a re-opening day on April 12, 2009.

 


Specifications:

  • Starting time: 07:00 CET
  • Local time: CET +8 hours
  • First GP: 1987
  • Circuit length: 5.807 km
  • Race laps: 53 laps
  • Total distance: 307.771 km
  • Winner 2007: Lewis Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes
  • Fastest Lap:Kimi Raikkonen, 2005, McLaren-Mercedes, 1:31.540


History:

Designed by John Hugenholtz, the Zandvoort owner, and built in 1963, primarily as a test track for Honda, Suzuka has hosted the Japanese F1 GP since 1987 and is a very popular venue. The Japanese crowds are fanatical, particularly in the late 80´s and early 90´s when McLaren-Honda, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were at their peak. Always near the end of the F1 Championship calendar, it has been the scene of many memorable moments in recent racing history to decide the Championship. The facilities and organisation are first-class.


Rail transport info:

http://www.suzukacircuit.com/access/images/KansaiRail.pdf
http://www.suzukacircuit.com/access/images/NagoyaRail.pdf
http://www.suzukacircuit.com/access/images/NaritaRail.pdf 

 

 

 

 

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