Motegi replaces Suzuka as WTCC host

Motegi has replaced Formula 1 venue Suzuka as the host of the Japanese round of the World Touring Car Championship, the series has announced.

The championship visited the Japanese Grand Prix circuit from 2011-'14, switching from an unpopular shortened version of the track to the full configuration for last season. The 2015 calendar was originally revealed with a Japanese track to be confirmed, and it will now move to Motegi, best known for hosting MotoGP.

WTCC general manager Francois Ribeiro said: "We genuinely think the WTCC has found its home in Japan at Motegi. MotoGP tracks usually deliver high-quality touring car races and we are certain that the Motegi layout will offer close racing and significant overtaking opportunities.

"The WTCC was a success at Suzuka with attendances increasing each year. Given that popularity, switching venues was a decision we took very carefully."

Originally on Autosport.com