New Fuji plans are revealed
The first glimpse of the new Fuji Speedway layout has been released - and makes clear Toyota's intentions to wrest the Japanese Grand Prix away from Honda-owned Suzuka.
Hermann Tilke has been commissioned to redesign the circuit in the shadow of Mount Fuji and the plans show that only a little of the original will remain, although the general layout retains a familiar feel.
The circuit will close for redevelopment after the final visit of Formula Nippon in September 2002, and will remain shut for over a year.
When it reopens in 2005, new pit buildings and grandstands will be in place, as will a new short course and kart track on the site of the fearsome banking. The circuit has been 'zoned' with areas for motorsport, driver training and a 'natural ecology zone', which will include a gymkhana.
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