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Japanese Grand Prix staying at Suzuka through 2029
The Japanese Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until at least the end of the 2029 season following a five-year contract extension for Suzuka.
The iconic circuit has been the home of the race since 1987 -- except for a two-year return to Fuji in the late 2000s -- and is a firm favorite with drivers and fans given its high-speed sweeping nature and need for precision. In announcing the extended deal, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged the status the track has within the series.
“Suzuka is a special circuit and part of the fabric of the sport, so I am delighted that F1 will continue to race there until at least 2029,” Domenicali said. “As we prepare to return to Japan earlier than usual this season, l would like to express my huge gratitude to the promoter and team at Honda MobilityLand for supporting our effort towards greater calendar rationalization as we look to make the sport more sustainable.
“Our fans in Japan embrace Formula 1 with a unique passion and we look forward to working with the promoter to give fans the experience they deserve for years to come.”
Suzuka traditionally had a spot in October on the calendar up until the end of last season, with this year’s edition taking place in early April as the fourth round of the championship. That race was set to be the last of the original deal, prior to the agreement of the five-year extension.
“I am pleased that we will be able to continue hosting the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit from 2025 onwards,” Honda MobilityLand president Tsuyoshi Saito said. “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Stefano Domenicali and other related Formula 1 members.
“We aim to create a sustainable future and currently we are preparing to welcome many fans for the 2024 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in April, the first time the event will be held in the spring season. We will continue to work together with the local communities and government agencies, including Mie Prefecture and Suzuka City, so that Suzuka can continue to be loved by fans around the world and contribute to the prosperity of motorsports culture and industrial development.”
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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