Suzuka International Racing Course, usually called the Suzuka Circuit, is a high-speed asphalt track, so many drivers rank it as their favourite. Honda built it in 1962 as a test track and the Dutchman John Hugenholtz designed it.
Its figure-of-eight shape makes it unique, because it is the only Formula 1 track with a crossover where the lap passes over itself. It is also one of only two racetracks in Japan that meet Formula 1 specifications. Formula 1 first raced here in 1987, although the Japanese Grand Prix had earlier used Fuji.
Since then the circuit has decided several world championships, including the collisions between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in 1989 and 1990.
The Suzuka International Racing Course Track
Overall, the lap tests every part of a car. It starts with the snaking ‘S’ Curves (the Esses, Turns 3 to 7) and the two Degner curves (Turns 8 and 9), then moves on to the technical Spoon Curve (Turns 13 and 14) and the almighty 130R, which takes its name from its original 130-metre radius.
Also, the crossover is where the back straight passes over the front section on a bridge. It sits just before Turn 15 and above the short straight between Turns 9 and 10, shortly after the start of Turn 9.
Finally, the lap ends at the Casio Triangle chicane, where late-braking overtakes are common. Suzuka is famously challenging but rewarding for drivers, and the weather can change quickly, so teams have to stay flexible.
In short, a lap of Suzuka covers 5.807 kilometres (3.608 miles) and has 18 corners, and the race runs for 53 laps.
Suzuka International Racing Course Fast Facts
| Suzuka International Racing Course Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | Japanese Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Suzuka International Racing Course |
| Location | Suzuka, Japan |
| Lap Length | 5.807 km (3.608 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 53 |
| Race Distance | 307.471 km (191.054 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 18 |
| First Grand Prix | 1987 |
Conclusion
Suzuka stands out for its figure-of-eight layout and demanding high-speed corners, so it is no surprise that drivers love it. Race times, session times, results and official notices are kept up to date on our Formula 1 page, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website.
Questions People Ask
Where Is Suzuka International Racing Course?
It is in Suzuka, Japan, because Honda built it there as a test track.
How Long Is Suzuka?
One lap is 5.807 km (3.608 miles), so a full race of 53 laps adds up to 307.471 km (191.054 miles).
How Many Laps Does the Japanese Grand Prix Have?
The cars run 53 laps, so they cover 307.471 km (191.054 miles) in total.
How Many Corners Are There at Suzuka?
The lap has 18 corners, but the Casio Triangle chicane is one of the better places to pass.
When Did Formula 1 First Race at Suzuka?
The first Formula 1 race here took place in 1987, although the Japanese Grand Prix had earlier used Fuji.
Who Built the Suzuka Circuit?
Honda built Suzuka in 1962 as a test track, so it began life as a testing ground, and John Hugenholtz designed it.
Why Is Suzuka a Figure-of-Eight Circuit?
The layout has a crossover bridge where one part of the track passes over another, and no other Formula 1 circuit does this.
