Ah, the iconic Suzuka track. The one that has some of the most challenging chicanes that really test the drivers’ agility. But it’s not only the drivers that are tested, it’s also the cars. The circuit which is unlike any other, has been on the Formula One Calendar since 1987. Everything about this track comes as a challenge with over 18 corners where some tyre-to-tyre action has made for some of the most memorable moments in the sport.

Being the eastmost map of the year, it strays away from the more central races, but with the Japanese Grand Prix being so close, the logistics balance out. Japan has always been a country of car fanatics and their expressive JDMs. This makes it only obvious that they love hosting the event for the pinnacle of motorsport racing. Now there is one thing you should know; having an F1 race in the country is not cheap and comes with a lot of resources being put together. So how does Japan go about organizing the Suzuka race every year?

How much is Suzuka Circuit paying F1 to host the 2024 Japanese GP?

Japanese Grand Prix takes place in Suzuka and Honda is the one that works the operation. For this, the manufacturers had to pay a hefty $25 million to get a slot on the F1 calendar in their contract until 2024. This number might sound outrageous but it falls shy of many other entries. Considering Aston Martin will use a Honda Power unit from 2026, the tie-up had to push Suzuka onto the calendar. Stefano Domenicali spoke to Motorsport and said, “Suzuka is part of the fabric of the sport, So I am delighted that F1 will continue to race there until at least 2029.”

The F1 president 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.” Next to take the mic was Tsuyoshi Saito who stated, “We aim to create a sustainable future, and currently we are preparing to welcome many fans for the 2024 F1 Japanese Grand Prix in April, the first time the event will be held in the spring season.” 

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Now that the contract is renewed, fans will be able to enjoy the Japanese GP for a long time.

Suzuka is to stay on the F1 Calendar till 2029 after the latest contract extension

This year F1 president Stefano Domenicali recently renewed the contract with Honda Mobilityland president Tsuyoshi Saito putting the track on the map till 2029. While this is not one of the longest renewals, knowing Australia and Bahrain will be on the calendar till 2035 and 2036, respectively, it is much better than the 3-year renewal it got last time.

The Suzuka Circuit has been on the grid for decades now and Japan is also trying to bring in a new tract to Formula One. There is currently a street track planned in Osaka which is on hold as there is a sophisticated track already in place.

How does the contract renewal affect the Osaka track plans?

While Suzuka continues being on the grid, Japan has tried to bring in a street track and there is a big problem with that. Having a second race in a country is not uncommon, but knowing that the two races will be just 130kms away from each other makes it a difficult appeal to make to the FOM.

There are already 24 races on this year’s calendar, making it the busiest season we have seen to date. Adding a second Japanese GP might feel like a stretch. Fans can currently travel from Osaka to Suzuka during the race weekend considering it’s not that much of a distance to cover.

That being said, it’s safe to assume that Suzuka will be the main race in Japan until 2029. This is subject to change during the next renewal of the contract. Hosting the Japanese GP on a track ends up costing Japan around 40 million and a street race might cost more. The Japanese GP is already one of the more expensive races to attend and currently, Suzuka is the best option, along with being a fan favorite.

Considering we have 5 more years to enjoy the circuit, let us know where Suzuka ranks on your top circuits list in the comments below.

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