Overview

The Suzuka International Racing Course (鈴鹿国際レーシングコース), more commonly referred to as Suzuka Circuit (鈴鹿サーキット) is a Honda owned motorsport circuit located in Suzuka City, Japan. The Circuit has been the host of the Japanese Grand Prix since 1987 (excluding 2007-2008 and 2021-2022).

History

Early history

In the late 1950s, Soichiro Honda had wanted a circuit built in the Mie prefecture. The Suzuka Circuit was designed by John H. Hugenholtz and completed in September 1962. In 1983, the final corner was modified with a chicane (also known as the Casio Triangle) to slow the cars down before the start finish straight.

Early Formula One use

When circuit hosted its' first Formula One race in 1987, the Degner curve (named for East German motorcycle rider Ernst Degner) was made into two separate corners. Other changes were made to make it safer for use in F1.

In 1988, the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka saw pole sitter and McLaren Honda driver Ayrton Senna initially have bad start. Senna was however able to catch to his championship rival Alain Prost and overtake him to win the race. As a result of the drop score rules for that season, Senna won his first title.

1989, despite a another bad start like the previous year; Senna was able to once again catch up with Prost in the race but this time, the two collided at the chicane before the final corner. While Prost retired, Senna was able to get his MP4/5 back in the race, have his front wing repaired, overtake Alessandro Nannini's Benetton and win the race. Senna was however disqualified before getting a push start from the track marshals, allowing Prost to be the World Champion that year.

1990 would see another controversial title decider when Prost (who was now at Ferrari) was hit from behind by Senna just before the first corner at the start of the race, handing Senna his second World title.

In 1994, the race was held heavily rainy conditions, the race having to be red flagged at one point due to multiple crashes (the most serious being when Martin Brundle's McLaren hit a trackside marshal, injuring him). The race was restarted on aggregate timing and Williams Renault driver Damon Hill was able to win ahead of his Championship rival Michael Schumacher, allowing Hill to still be in contention for the Championship for the final round in Adelaide.

Late V10 era

1996 would witness the title fight between teammates Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve end in spectacular fashion when Villeneuve's tire came off at the first corner on lap 37. In 1998 and 1999, McLaren driver Mika Häkkinen was able to secure his two titles.

In 2000, pitlane entrance was moved from before the Casio Triangle to near the start finish straight. In 2002, the 130R would be the sight of the near fatal crash of Toyota driver Allan McNish, leading to the high speed corner being redesigned for 2003.