Layout: Fictitious (designed by me) – © 2021 AllAlongTheRacetrack
When was the track built?
It was opened at the end of 1972, and since then it has changed name various times.
It has hosted mainly local races but in the 1990s hopes to land a F1 GP increased, after a reconstruction of the complex, including a golf course.
Unfortunately, the circuit fortune started to decline, and it was declared bankrupt in 2002 and saved by Mazda in 2006.
It has been used as proving ground since, but with the new Formula One organization it has now been completely redesigned by me to finally bring Formula 1 here starting from 2023.
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?
The new design uses parts of the original circuit and some surrounding spaces to reach 4.4 km.
It is now running counterclockwise, so the main straight is approached in the opposite direction.
Characterized by constant elevation changes as it follows the hills of the Japanese island, it has distinctive features in the Turn 1 underpass, in the long T6-7-8 triple apex uphill corner and the also uphill fast bit from T18 to T20.
Particularly tricky will be the downhill braking zone in the final corner.
Overall, it has kept its windy, slow traits, where traction will be crucial, but the completely new Sector 3 adds now a faster section and more potential for wheel-to-wheel action.
Temperatures are normally perfect for racing, but showers and heavy rains can affect GPs in September.
Where is it located?
In Mine, at the south-eastern tip of the island of Honshu in the south of the country, around 15km from Ozuki airport. (+ 34°08’31”, +131°06’16”)
All Along The Racetrack 