11 Days to the 2004 Japanese Grand Prix

One of the greatest tracks used in Formula One today, Japan's Suzuka circuit is a massive test of car and driver ability. Built by Honda as a test facility in 1962, the track was designed by Dutchman John Hugenholz, the Hermann Tilke of his day. A huge theme park was also constructed at the track, including the famous big wheel which dominates the Suzuka skyline.

In 1987, having hosted various sportscar and F2 races, and having lost out initially to Fuji in the race to host the Japanese Grand Prix, Honda's influence finally prevailed and the Grand Prix had a new Japanese home. And at Suzuka the race has stayed, providing the scene for many nail-biting end-of-season deciders, including the infamous collisions involving Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.

Suzuka includes some of the Grand Prix calendar's most challenging corners. Among the drivers' favourites are the high-speed 130R and the famous Spoon Curve. On top of this the circuit's figure-of-eight layout makes it unique in Formula One.

Suzuka is located on Ise Bay on the Island of Honshu, in south-central Japan, about 320km from Tokyo and its New International Narita Airport. Osaka's Kansai Airport (150km east of Suzuka) and Nagoya's International Airport (50km south-west) are both closer to the circuit, though they serve fewer international routes.

By road, Suzuka is approximately 400km from Tokyo and 50km from Nagoya. From Tokyo, take the Tomei Expressway and leave at the Suzuka Interchange. From here, the circuit will be clearly sign-posted. Alternatively, take the Meihan Road and leave at the Kameyama Interchange. Follow signs to National Route 1 and the circuit will be signed.

By train, the nearest station to the Suzuka Circuit is Shiroko, which is a 20-minute walk or a 15-minutes bus ride from the track. An express train from Nagoya to Shiroko takes around 40 minutes.

Suzuka International Racing Course
7992 Ino-Cho
Suzuka-shi
Mie-ken 510-0295
Japan

Tel: (+81) 593701465
Fax: (+81) 593701818

Source: The Official Formula 1 Website