The track distinctly stands out from other circuits world over because of the huge theme park constructed at the track which features the famous big wheel that dominates the Suzuka skyline. Known for its unique design and interesting track layout that offers many overtaking opportunities, the Suzuka circuit is loved by drivers and spectators alike from all over the globe.

Designed by the famous Dutch architect, John Hugenholtz, the Suzuka circuit was built in 1962 by Honda as a testing track for its cars and motorbikes. It hosted its first Japanese Grand Prix (GP) in the year 1987 and has been home to the same until 2006. It is one of the very few circuits in the world to have a ‘figure 8’ layout. The design of the circuit is so brilliantly crafted that to avoid the danger of an intersecting circuit, the back straight part of the track actually passes over the front section by means of an overpass. This ingenious layout of the Suzuka circuit sets the stage for a massive test of driver skill for truly mastering the track.

In addition to its design, this 5.8km long Suzuka circuit also features some of the F1 calendars’ most demanding corners. Among these, is the notoriously famous 130R, a 130-meter radius turn starting past the Crossover. The 130R went through a number of renovations following the serious accidents in the 2002 and 2003 GPs. Similar to the Spa circuit’s Eau Rouge, the 130R was redesigned as a double-apex section, where the first turn has an 85m radius while the second turn has a 340m radius.

For most years, as Japan has held the penultimate or final Grand Prix of the season, numerous World Championships have been decided at the Suzuka International Racing Course. In the twenty Japanese Grand Prix, eleven have decided the title destiny, with 5 of those being last race Championship deciders and the Suzuka circuit has been venue for at least six of these nail-biting encounters. The most notable among these are the 1989-90 GPs which saw the legendary rivalry between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna and the 2000 race when Michael Schumacher won the Championship from Mika Häkkinen to secure the first World Title for Ferrari and his third World Championship.

The Suzuka International Racing Course is another circuit where Schumacher holds the record for the most number of wins. In total, Schumacher has won seven Japanese GPs at the Suzuka circuit. His last victory was in the year 2004, when he won the race ahead of brother and Williams-BMW driver, Ralf Schumacher and Britain’s, Jenson Button.

Recent Results:
2009: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008: Fernando Alonso (Renault)
2007: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)
2006: Fernando Alonso (Renault)
2005: Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren-Mercedes)
2004: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2003: Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari)
2002: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)