Fuji officially disappears from the F1 calendar!

The confirmation was revealed yesterday, Tuesday, the Japanese Grand Prix will no longer be held at the Fuji Speedway.

The organization of this race weekend alternated with Suzuka, although the last two GPs were held near Mount Fuji. It is the global economic downturn affecting the circuit owner, Toyota, that is behind this irrevocable decision.

According to a statement on the circuit’s website, planning was already underway for the 2010 event, but the track had no choice but to abandon its plans.

« Considering the very severe deterioration of commercial conditions with unfortunately few signs of a rapid economic recovery, we have decided that it would be extremely difficult to continue organizing the Japanese F1 Grand Prix. »

Fuji has returned to the calendar since 2007 following enormous efforts by Toyota to modernize the circuit.

Lewis Hamilton won the first race in torrential rain, while Fernando Alonso scored a surprise victory for Renault last year after a chaotic start. Fuji stated that the focus would now be on hosting Formula Nippon and Super GT.

Hiroaki Kato, president of Fuji Speedway, did not hide his disappointment at this decision that ruins the future of the track after its recent return to the F1 calendar.

« After announcing barely three years ago, in March 2006, that Fuji Speedway would host the Japanese Grand Prix, it is with regret that I inform you that we have not been able to avoid abandoning our project for 2010. »

« To the people who attended the event at Fuji Speedway last year and the year before, to those who are looking forward to the upcoming event, and to all those who have given us their immense support, I am deeply sorry for this outcome. »

« At the same time, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your support. The Fuji Speedway intends to focus on other motor sports. »

Suzuka will organize the race at the end of the year no matter what. The future will depend on the owner Honda, who will decide whether or not to finance the event after already having exited the F1 calendar.

Toyota has decided to end its capital investment in the Fuji event, estimated to cost between 12 to 18 million pounds (between 14 and 20 million euros), as the manufacturer expects a record loss of 5.5 billion pounds (6 billion euros) for its current fiscal year ending in March 2010.