Fuji Speedway ready for racing
Racing is safe at Mugello from noise limits
Pictures: Tilke GmbH
Japan's Fuji Speedway has re-opened for racing after a multi-million pound redevelopment by Hermann Tilke.
The circuit in the shadow of Mount Fuji - which famously hosted the title decider which saw James Hunt emerge as F1 world champion - has been redesigned for owners Toyota, with the stated aim of capturing the Grand Prix back.
Arch rivals Honda currently host the Japanese Grand Prix at their Suzuka circuit, as well as the MotoGP race at the Motegi circuit, also owned by Honda.
Mount Fuji dominates the new circuit.
The new Fuji circuit still incorporates a long main straight, but much of the redundant banking from the original 1960s has been demolished to make way for a kart circuit and other facilities.
Lavish new pits and a grandstand have been constructed, although overall the circuit is not as imposing as some of Hermann Tilke's other designs.
The circuit was christened by last year's Toyota F1 car, with new signing Ralf Schumacher completing several laps at the wheel. He gave a thumbs up to the circuit, which he last competed on in Formula Nippon.
"While the changes have been great, the long straight is still there, so the character of the circuit is still there," said the German.
"It's great. It's obviously a bit difficult, but I was enjoying it."
Fuji Speedway will formally open with a ceremony on 10 April, with its first race the Super GT Fuji 500km on 3-4 May.
Discuss this news story in the e-Tracks forums.
