Since 1987 Suzuka has been one of the most celebrated venues on the F1 calendar. The logistics of getting there are not easy, but a magnificent track and its unusual setting next to an amusement park and hotel complex ensure that it can’t be mistaken for anywhere else. The passion of the local fans adds to the colourful picture
Located between Nagoya and Osaka, Suzuka was opened by landowners Honda in 1962. The first proper circuit in Japan, it was designed by John Hugenholtz, who had earlier been responsible for Zandvoort. Given an elongated site, and encouraged by Honda to cram as much into as little space as possible, the Dutchman had the inspired idea of including a crossover that makes the track resemble a squashed figure eight.
The rest of the course follows the undulating contours of the land. Highlights include the twisty Esses at the start of the lap, the long double left called Spoon, and the extremely fast 130R lefthander.
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