2010 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
- Location
- Suzuka
- Population
- 2.2 million (Nagoya)
- Currency
- Yen
- First Grand Prix
- 1987
- Timezone
- GMT +9
- Language
- Japanese
- Religion
- Shinto 45%, Buddhism 45%, Christianity 10%
- Visa / Passport Requirements
Why go?
Japan remains one of the most exotic destinations on the Formula One calendar. Tokyo is one of the most exciting and lively cities in the world, juxtaposed with rural Japan, which is a chaotic mix of total isolation and dense population. The mountains, particularly in the north of the country, are stunning but uninhabitable. The flatter areas of central and southern Japan have to house most of the country’s 127 million people and the bulk of its agriculture.
Suzuka Circuit is 50 kilometres south west of Nagoya, Japan’s third largest city, and it is liked by the drivers and teams. The track is owned by Honda, having originally been built in 1962 as a test track for its road cars and motorbikes. In recent years there has been an increasing number of Japanese sponsors in Formula One racing, and with them has come a surge in interest within Japan. Nowhere in the world are the fans more knowledgeable or enthusiastic.
“Our home race is very important to us,” says Hiroshi Yasukawa, director of Bridgestone Motorsport. “There is lots to do in and around Suzuka, starting with a thrilling ride on a rollercoaster at the track. Not only do you get a great view of the track, but you can also see the sea. For those who think they can sing, there is the Big Echo bar in which to try some karaoke, and you can eat high quality beef in the Matoba restaurant.”
Did you know? Suzuka has hosted eight world championship-deciding races.
Transport
Nagoya’s swish new Centrair (Central Japan International Airport) airport is the closest to Suzuka. It is linked to all of Japan’s major cities and, while smaller than Tokyo’s Narita airport, it serves an increasing number of international airlines. A third option is to fly into Osaka and take a short bullet train ride.
It’s as easy to get to Suzuka by car or train. If you are travelling by car from Nagoya, take the Higashi Meihan expressway to the Suzuka exit; by train, catch the Kintetsu line to Shiroko station, from where there are shuttles to the track over the race weekend. Book a Package
Useful tips
The track’s figure-of-eight layout lends itself to the general admission ticket because you can see so much. For instance, from the bank on the outside of 130R, you can also see the cars negotiate the Degner Curves.
The whole of the Suzuka pit straight has grandstands running down the left-hand side. Prices vary depending on your seat position, with the most expensive seats being the ones that all the Formula One personnel - including the drivers - have to walk by en route to the paddock.
If travelling to the track by train, don’t be late to the station because the trains in Japan are the most prompt and efficient in the world. Book Tickets
You can keep up to speed with all the action throughout the weekend by hiring a Kangaroo TV handset at the circuit, which offers access to several channels of live video, audio and data content.
Where to go?
The Suzuka Circuit is very much a self-contained facility, which is why many Formula One people remain there for the duration of their stay. As well as the racetrack, there is the famous Motopia theme park, the Kur Garden hot springs, gyms, golf courses, tennis courts, bowling alleys, several hotels and restaurants from what seems to be every country in the world.
Away from the circuit, venture out into Suzuka itself for a more authentic Japanese experience, or head to one of the surrounding towns of Yokkaichi, Tsu or Shiroko - if you're new to Japan, everywhere will seem fascinating.
Where to stay?
The most convenient hotels are within the grounds of Suzuka Circuit. Most of the drivers stay at the Suzuka Circuit Hotel, but there are seven others to choose from as well. “The next best thing after the Suzuka Circuit Hotel,” says Yasukawa, “is to stay at the Miyako Hotel nearby.”
If everything’s fully booked at Suzuka Circuit, try one of the local towns or even commute in from Nagoya, where the cheapest options will be available to you. Due to a lack of space, camping near the track isn't possible. Book a Hotel
Extended stay
“The first place that you have to visit,” according to Yasukawa, “is Kyoto. You may have already read about them: they are traditional Japanese gardens, shrines and temples. It is a very beautiful place.”
Kyoto is only about 80 kilometres away from Suzuka. If you’re looking to go further afield, head north, to Mount Fuji on the outskirts of Tokyo.
Book a Package
Enthusiasts only
There are lots of race circuits throughout Japan, but the only Formula One-spec track other than Suzuka is Fuji Speedway. After being bought by Toyota in 2000, it was brought up to the very latest standards and recently hosted the Japanese Grand Prix in 2007 and 2008. You could also visit Motegi, another track owned by Honda, east of Tokyo. The facility boasts a road course, an oval and a fascinating museum of all of Honda’s racing machinery throughout the years.
Circuit address
Suzuka International Racing Course
7992 Ino-Cho
Suzuka-shi
Mie-ken 510-0295
Japan
F1 TIMETABLE
| Fri 08 October 2010 | |
|---|---|
| Practice 1 | 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Practice 2 | 14:00 - 15:30 |
| Sat 09 October 2010 | |
|---|---|
| Practice 3 | 11:00 - 12:00 |
| Sun 10 October 2010 | |
|---|---|
| Qualifying | 10:00 |
| Race | 15:00 |
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