Layout: Actual
When was the track built?
It opened in 1990, with great ambition of bringing a Formula One GP, even sponsoring the Benetton F1 team.
Designed by Yoshitoshi Sakurai it has held some important promotional events and it was supposed to be surrounded by other entertainment activities for wealthy Japanese.
Unfortunately its location, 3000 meters above sea in the mountains, has prevented F1 to ever race around here and the circuit was saved from bankruptcy by Kawasaki in 2005.
Now it will be ready to final be included in the list of circuits that will host a F1 event.
When was its first Grand Prix?
Japan has 2 places in the Continental and 1 in the World series; this is one of the eight circuits that will rotate for those spots.
It will be the first ever GP on this venue.
What’s the circuit like?
A very modern design, with a good mix of corners and plenty of overtake spots.
It will be a quick circuit, with only a couple of hairpins requiring traction, and many fast long-radius turns where car balance is the key success factor.
Its location and its elevation will be a challenge or engineers to define the best set-up and for engines and surely it’s one of the main reason to mark this event on the calendar.
Where is it located?
In the south-west of Japan’s Oita Prefecture, around 30km from Kumamoto City and its International airport. (+ 33°02’13”, +130°58’24”)
All Along The Racetrack 