Twin Ring Motegi – Motegi

When was the track built?

Built by Honda, the first idea was born in the second part of the 80s.
The dream was to create a complex able to host motorbike and Indycar races, combining a road and an oval course.
Thanks also to the commitment of Honda to the CART series, works began around 1994 and were completed in 1997.
Since then it has hosted pretty much any major motorsport series but Formula 1, but thanks to the new organization it will be in the rotation for a GP.

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?

Part of the circuit built inside the oval and another one around it.
It is a simple layout made interesting by elevation changes and many overtake spots.
Formula 1 cars will select low drag set-ups to favour top speed on the straights; being a stop-and-go track, with many hairpins, traction will also be a key to win.
One of the most interesting point is turn 11, a hard braking zone where overtaking is made more difficult by the downhill.

Where is it located?

In central Japan,  approximately 100 miles north Tokyo, with Narita International airport around 80 miles to the south. (+ 36°31’59”, +140°13’48)