Formula 1 has been a pinnacle of motorsport since its debut in 1950. This sport has grown more recently and reached almost 30 countries worldwide. Since its initial debut, the races have only been held on European continents. But, today under the ownership of Liberty Media F1 has reached into the Middle East and North America.
But before moving to the Middle East, F1 races were shackled under the hood of Asian Countries including India, But now while other nations have faded Japan still exists on the F1 calendar to host the Grand Prix for more than a decade. Let us read further what makes the Japanese Grand Prix the only Asian country to host F1 for decades and endure the championship since 1999.
When was the 1st Japanese Grand Prix Held?
Japan hosted its first-ever Formula 1 race in 1976. The first race was held at Fuji Speedway and after that, Suzuka became the permanent home track of the inaugural Japanese Grand Prix since its debut in the 1996 FIA World F1 Championship. The first Japanese GP was held at Fuji Speedway. It was a 2.7 Km track that hosted eight running races of the F1 Championship.
When Formula 1 returned to Japan in 1987, the Honda-owned racing track named Suzuka International Speedway was made the permanent racing track for the F1 races. Soon this track was loved by both the fans and drivers. Through generations, this track has undergone several changes and modifications. Now the track is renowned for its 8-shaped layout with fast-paced corners.
Suzuka International Speedway | Specs |
First Grand Prix | 1987 |
Circuit Length | 5.807 KM |
Number Of Laps | 53 |
Race Distance | 307.471 KM |
Total Turns | 18 |
In the 2024 FIA World Formula 1 Championship, Japan GP is the fourth race that is to be held under the F1 schedule and would be the 49th time the Suzuka International Speedway will host a Formula 1 race and one of the oldest F1 track to host F1 race in Asia.
What makes Japan the first and only Asian Nation to host an F1 race?
As we all know Japan was the first Asian Country to host a Formula 1 race and is still hosting with full adrenaline and enthusiasm. While few Asian nations have failed to host a race in recent years. Even Malaysia hosted F1 races in 1999 but it can't keep the tenure and halt to host the races by the end of 2005. Then comes South Korea and India. All these Asian countries have failed to misery and now they have stopped promoting F1 races in recent years.
Japan still topped the chart among other Asian nations and has signed a new F1 tenure deal with the FIA stating that it will be hosting races until 2029. Now comes the strategic features that make the Japanese Grand Prix the king of Asian F1 and Suzuka Circuit the king of the Asian F1 tracks. The main factor is the track itself as it looks challenging and favorite to certain drives like Arton Senna, and David Coulthard in the past.
Asian Countries That Hosted F1 Races | First Grand Prix | Last Grand Prix | Current Status |
Japan | 1976 Japanese Grand Prix | Present | Yes |
Malaysia | 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix | 2017 | No |
South Korea | 2010 Korean Grand Prix | 2013 | No |
India | 2011 Indian Grand Prix | 2013 | No |
Singapore | 2008 Singapore Grand Prix | Present | Yes |
China | 2004 Chinese Grand Prix | Present | Yes |
Qatar | 2021 Qatar Grand Prix | Present | Yes |
Saudi Arabia | 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix | Present | Yes |
Abu Dhabi | 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Present | Yes |
A strong fanbase and sponsors also play a vital role in boosting F1 as a sport in the nation. With passionate fans, the future of racing will be lived evergreen creating a strong maneuver of ticket sales and viewership. This would benefit the sponsors and the Track management financially to be viable for the upcoming F1 race.
So let us sit tight and catch the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend and ensure the Asian F1 heritage grows more and more in the future. Please let us know in the comment below which incident has made you more memorable for the Suzuka Circuit in recent years.
