Suzuka will host the Japanese Grand Prix for 3 years

Suzuka will continue to host the Japanese Grand Prix for the next two years, after reaching an agreement today in Valencia with F1’s chief financier, Bernie Ecclestone. Suzuka will host the Japanese event for the next three years, in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The Fuji International Speedway announced last month that it could no longer afford to host Formula 1 due to the economic slowdown.

Hiroshi Oshima, president of Mobilityland Corporation, which manages the Suzuka Circuit, met Ecclestone in Valencia this weekend. And, following the finalization of an agreement to host the next three Japanese Grand Prix, he stated: « We are delighted that the Suzuka Circuit will safeguard one of our most important national sporting events by hosting the Japanese Grand Prix for the next three years. »

Ecclestone himself commented: « I did it, and would continue to do it to ensure that the Japanese Grand Prix is a success. »

Suzuka hosted the Japanese Grand Prix 20 times between 1987 and 2006, while Fuji hosted the event for the last two years.