Formula 1 Circuit, Suzuka, Japan > Reviews (4)

Suzuks,the venue of the Japanese Grand Prix,has often played an eventful role in determining the outcome of the FI championship.The circuit was actually constructed in 1962 in a local amusement park and was designed by Dutchman- Hans Hugenholtz- who had also designed the Zandvoort circuit in Holland that hosted the Dutch grand prix. Suzuka is located about 50 miles south-west of Nagoya and is approximately 93 miles west of Osaka.

The Japanese circuit has been part of the Formula I championship since 1987-previous to that the Japanese grand prix was held at the Fuji circuit. Previous winners at Suzuka include Nelson Picquet in a Benneton in 1990, Gerhard Berger in 1991, Ricardo Patrese in a Williams in 1992, the 1993 winner was the late Ayrton Senna in a McLaren, the following year Damon Hill in a Williams won whilst Michael Schumacher won in 1995. Damon Hill won the 1996 race for Williams, Michael Schumacher was the winner in 1997, whilst in both 1998 and 1999 the winner at Suzuka was Mika Hakkinen in a McLaren.

The circuit is arguably best known and is unique in that it has a "figure of eight" configuration. It is regarded as a tough and tchnical circuit that necessitates a good balance in the car.With a total race distance of 310.582 km,over 53 laps,it is the longest race in Formula I this year.