Suzuka’s contract extension was one bit of news that was somewhat lost in all the commotion of the last few weeks. For many fans, the announcement that the iconic circuit would continue to host the Japanese Grand Prix through 2029 came as a welcome relief. There was talk that Osaka would make a bit to host a street race but thankfully Suzuka got an extension. It’s well-deserved too, the track has hosted some amazing races over the years and is one of the most beloved circuits on the calendar.
It was originally a test track for Honda and was designed by John Hugenholz. Initially it was used for motorcycle racing but later, four-wheeled automobiles began to compete there too. Suzuka was added to the Formula One calendar in 1987 and has hosted all but two Japanese Grand Prix during that period. During that time, it has become a classic and favorite for everybody involved in F1.
Part of the reason is the layout of the track. It undulates and snakes its way through the hilly terrain of the circuit. It has memorable turns and sections that are distinctive; The “S” Curves, Dunlop, Degner 1 and 2, Spoon Curve, the Hairpin, 130R, and Casio Triangle. Part of it’s appeal to drivers is the track is always moving up or down, left or right, it’s like the track is alive. Fans get to see the cars move and handle in way that demonstrates their amazing abilities. In many ways, Suzuka offers a potent combination of terrain, character, and history that appeal to F1 enthusiasts.
More than just the physical layout though, the fans make the event what it is. Japanese fans LOVE racing and many go to great lengths to show their support. It’s an atmosphere that creates excitement and energy that make the Japanese Grand Prix such a compelling event. When you watch footage of the event, you see just how much the fans are engaged and excited. They are passionate in a similar manner to the Tifosi in Italy, British fans at Silverstone, Brazilian fans at Interlagos, and the “Orange Army” that appears almost everywhere these days. They just do it in a very Japanese way, which is what makes this event distinct.
Want a few examples?
To nobody’s surprise, Honda-powered teams are popular with the fans. After all, the track is operated by Honda; which has a factory nearby.
Any guess which team these guys are cheering for?
You can bet that Yuki Tsunoda will have a bunch of fans cheering him on too.
That’s important to remember in all this and hopefully part of FOM’s consideration when signing this deal with Suzuka. The fans make grand prix special and worth experiencing. Their passion and enthusiasm is what sustains events, enabling them to become fixtures on the calendar. The drivers feel it too and there is a great connection between them and the fans in Japan, which adds to the great atmosphere. That’s why I’m so glad to see this news, it means we get to continue to experience this great event…even from afar.
We’ve seen F1 expand into new markets and race on new circuits recently. Some of these have become great events in their own right (think COTA in Austin, TX or Zandvoort in the Netherlands) while others are a bit lacking (Yas Marina comes to mind). However, many of us love the older circuits like Suzuka that have character and heritage the newer additions simply can’t match. I, along with millions of others, are glad to hear that we will continue to have the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
Yatta!
