FUJI SPEEDWAY CIRCUIT INFORMATION
AND 2008 RACE PROGRAM
THE 2008 JAPANESE FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX
After a 30-year absence, the Japanese Grand Prix will return to the spectacular and historic Fuji Speedway Formula 1 circuit. The circuit is set in the scenic and stunning backdrop of the spectacular Mount Fiji, the highest mountain in Japan. Japan is without a doubt, one of the most exotic destinations on the Formula One calendar. Tokyo is one of the liveliest cities in the world, with plenty of excitement and entertainment on offer. Tokyo can offer you endless sightseeing opportunities, like a trip to the famous shopping district of Ginza, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea. Tokyo can also offer you some of the best restaurants and night- live spots, which can compare to the best on offer in the world.
The Fuji Speedway Formula 1 circuit is easily accessible from metropolitan Tokyo by train or bus, but the circuit is located about 110 km or a 1 hour 25 minute drive from the city.
The official theme for the 2008 Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix is: "Endless beauty, unlimited excitement - F1 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway”, an appropriate theme for a Formula One adventure of a life time.
FUJI SPEEDWAY CIRCUIT INFORMATION
General information
The Fuji Speedway Formula 1 circuit is the original home of the first ever Japanese Formula One Grand Prix. However, only two Grand Prix events were held at this spectacular circuit, the first one at the end of the 1976 season. The race had a dramatic World Championship battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, decided in awful rainy conditions, during which Hunt earned enough points to win the World Championship title for 1976. Mario Andretti won the race, with Lauda withdrawing due to the dangerous conditions.
There was less celebration after the second race in 1977, after Gilles Villeneuve was involved in a crash that killed two people on the side of the circuit. As a result, the Japanese F1 Grand Prix was moved to and hosted by the Suzuka circuit until 2006.
The Fuji Speedway circuit, which is now owned by Toyota, was completely redesigned and revamped with the help of German track designer Hermann Tilke, during 2005. This exercise is rumoured to have cost in the region of $150 million, but the revamp paid off, with the Fuji Speedway winning the contract to host the Japanese F1 Grand Prix from 2008 onwards.
What the drivers say
The 4,563km Fuji Speedway Circuit is a different type of circuit. The main straight length is 1,475m making it is the longest straight of all the current F1 Grand Prix circuits. The first and the other 3 hairpin corners of the circuit, will for obvious reasons, mean big braking zones, and as a result the cars will most probably run with larger brake ducts than normal and with a set-up that will ensure good stability under braking. Add the emphasis on low drag, which should see the teams with lower downforce levels, it is clear that mechanical grip will become vital in the slower back sections. The cars with the most powerful engines will be able to add downforce without becoming vulnerable on the long main straight, which is why this should be a circuit that will reward power. Heavy fuel loads will be tough on the tyres, will make for a difficult qualifying, and will leave the cars vulnerable to being passed by a lighter car on the long straight.
The last corner forms a hairpin turn, and to get onto the power early, to ensure a good drive out of the hairpin onto the long main straight, will be absolutely critical for a good lap time. The general feeling from Ralf Schumacher was that the latest changes to the circuit have been great. The long straight is still there, so the character of the circuit remains.
RACING PROGRAM AND EVENT TIMETABLE
Although not yet finalised for 2008, we have included a provisional race timetable for the Formula One practice sessions, qualifying session and race times. The support races, which will be run over the weekend, will be the Porsche Carrera Cup Japan and the Netz Cup Vitz (a local one makers racing series) race. Time schedules for these support events are however not yet available.
FRIDAY
| 10h00 – 11h30 |
Formula One |
First Free Practice Session |
| 14h00 – 15h30 |
Formula One |
Second Free Practice Session |
SATURDAY
| 11h00 – 12h00 |
Formula 1 |
Third Practice Session |
| 14h00 – 15h00 |
Formula 1 |
Qualifying Session |
SUNDAY
| 12h00 |
Formula 1 |
Drivers Parade |
| 13h00 |
Formula One |
Grid Presentation |
| 13h30 |
Formula 1 |
2008 Formula 1 Fuji Television Japanes Grand Prix |
