The Japanese Grand Prix has been on the Formula 1 calendar for 35 seasons, 31 of which have been at Suzuka. Located near Nagoya, it is one of the three largest metropolises on the Japanese island.
Formula 1 announced this weekend the extension of the Suzuka circuit in the F1 calendar for 3 additional seasons, while a Japanese driver will finally be part of the event this year for the first time since the end of the 2014 season and Kamui Kobayashi behind the wheel of the Caterham. The driver had then finished at the bottom positions during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and funding issues for Caterham, which was placed into judicial recovery.
The extension of the contract is the result of a successful relationship between Formula 1 and Mobilityland [Editor’s note: the organizer of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka] with the aim of growing the sport in Asia. Japan has a significant fan base for F1 and with the arrival of Yuki Tsunoda, the popularity of F1 will increase even further, explains the press release.
« In 2022, the Suzuka circuit will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Formula 1 will still be with us in 2022 and until 2024 to allow us to enjoy this long tradition with this sport. I am looking forward to seeing these events. » commented Kaoru Tanaka, President of Mobilityland Corp.
The Suzuka circuit is known as one of the toughest for drivers as it is narrow, twisty, and demanding. It is also recently known for being the site of the terrible accident of Jules Bianchi which caused his death a few months later.
