The Japanese Grand Prix will move from the Honda-owned Suzuka track to ToyotaÂ’s Fuji International Speedway in 2007.
The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper was informed by Bernie Ecclestone last Friday that Fuji has secured a multi-year contract to host the countryÂ’s grand prix.
The race has been held at Suzuka since 1987, but Fuji staged JapanÂ’s first two world championship grands prix in 1976 and 1977.
Since being bought by Toyota in 2000 the facility has undergone a $168 million investment programme.
The news will be met with caution by many Formula 1 drivers and fans, since Suzuka is widely regarded as one of the worldÂ’s most challenging circuits.
But Ecclestone has apparently thrown Suzuka a lifeline by holding out the possibility of a second Japanese race, which would likely be badged the Pacific or Asian GP.
Suzuka president Ikuo Shimizu attended the Bahrain GP for contract talks with Ecclestone and confirmed that he will continue negotiations.
“I’m not surprised at all because I had heard the rumour [that Fuji would win the Japanese GP contract],” he said.
“I’m going to keep on negotiating.”
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What do u think? I actually like suzuka with its ferries wheel
But the 8 shaped circuit is the only 1 used currently... Whats ur views?
