The Japanese Grand Prix dates back all the way to the 1960s, with the first grand prix being held on 9th May 1963. However, this was not the famous Formula One Japanese Grand Prix. Instead, it was another type of race, which was at the time was Japan’s most popular race. It was run between 1963 and 1969 (except for 1965). This race was held on the 3rd May of each year at Suzuka Circuit.
After seven years of the original Japanese Grand Prix, the first Formula One Japanese Grand Prix was held in 1976 at the Fuji International Speedway. It was later moved to the Suzuka International Race Course in 1987. Due to Covid restrictions in 2020 and 2021, the grands prix did not go ahead in Japan.
The 2014 Japanese Grand Prix will always hold a special place in the hearts of F1 fans all over the world. It was at this race where the Marussia driver, Jules Bianchi, crashed out due to heavy rain. He lost control at the Dunlop curve and collided with a recovery vehicle. Sadly, he sustained severe injuries and was placed into an induced coma, later passing away on 17th July 2015. It was the first on-track incident in F1 in over 20 years that resulted in a fatality, the previous being Ayrton Senna. The halo feature on F1 cars was introduced later due to the crash and has saved countless lives ever since.
The Suzuka Circuit was commissioned by Honda to be a testing ground, which later became the battling ground between Honda and Toyota. The track is 5.807km/3.605mi long and the F1 cars compete over 53 laps. Pole position is on the left side of the starting grid. The lap record for the circuit is held by Lewis Hamilton with a lap time of 1:30.983, achieved in 2019 with Mercedes.
The first ever winner of the Japanese Grand Prix was Mario Andretti, who was driving for Lotus at the time. Michael Schumacher holds the title of most driver wins at Suzuka, while McLaren hold the most constructor wins at the circuit.
Interesting facts:
- This year is the earliest in the calendar that the F1 Japanese Grand Prix has ever been held, it is usually much later in the F1 season.
- Sebastian Vettel’s favourite track is Suzuka and at last year’s Japanese Grand Prix he introduced his ‘Buzzin’ Corner’ to the circuit.
- The Japanese Grand Prix has been the deciding race for a record 13 championships, including the famous 1976 championship battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda – now immortalised in the film ‘Hunt vs. Lauda’.
- Aguri Suzuki was the first Japanese driver to achieve a podium at his home event.
Written by Chloe.
Featured Image Credit: GrandPrix247
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