Japanese Grand Prix has agreed a new five-year contract to remain on the F1 calendar until the end of the 2029 season.
The race has been part of F1 since 1976 when first ran at Fuji Speedway for two years prior to an eight-yar hiatus, but has since been held at Suzuka between 1987 – 2006 and 2009 to present aside from 2020 and 21 when the race was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali is “delighted” to retain the Japanese GP and specifically at Suzuka, which he described as “a special circuit and part of the fabric of the sport,” despite moving to a new slot in April this season to minimise the sport’s carbon footprint.
Domenicali proceeded to praise the race promoter – Honda MobilityLand for their efforts to support the move from its original autumn slot to April, which sees the race sit between trips to Australia and China.
The race is hugely popular amongst F1 fans which Domenicali noted as he added: “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.”
Honda MobilityLand President and Representative Director, Tsuyoshi Saito is “pleased” that the Japanese GP will remain on the F1 calendar at Suzuka beyond this season.
Saito also iterated that the race promoter is focused upon a sustainable future whilst working with local communities and government agencies to improve Suzuka’s offering to fans.
“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.”
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