Twin venues for Japanese Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix will now alternate between Fuji Speedway and Suzuka Circuit after an agreement was reached with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

In March last year it was announced the race would move from the Honda-owned Suzuka track to the Fuji circuit run by Toyota.

Fuji hosted the first Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 when James Hunt beat Niki Lauda to the world championship, however, it then fell off the calendar after the 1977 race.

After a gap of 10 years, Suzuka then hosted the race, with the track becoming a firm favourite with the drivers.

When Toyota bought Fuji they made the renovations necessary to bring it up to Formula One standards, and it will host this year’s Japanese Grand Prix on September 30.

But for the long-term future of the race, Fuji has agreed to now alternate with Suzuka, starting next year.

Ecclestone confirmed: “We have concluded an agreement on the alternation of the race between Fuji Speedway and the Suzuka Circuit to ensure the progress and success of keeping Formula One in Japan over the long term.

“I appreciate that Fuji Speedway accepted this and am very happy they and Suzuka Circuit made this possible.

“It also makes me very pleased that we will retain Suzuka as it has supported Formula One for 20 years and the large amount of fans.”