Iconic Suzuka Circuit could be at risk as Osaka reportedly plans to bid for Japanese GP

The fan-favorite Japanese GP has been held at the Suzuka Circuit since 1987, albeit the track has exclusively hosted the race only since 2009.

Iconic Suzuka Circuit could be at risk as Osaka reportedly plans to bid for Japanese GP

Max Verstappen at the Japanese GP (via IMAGO).

The Japanese GP has been run solely at the iconic Suzuka GP in Japan. Since 2009, the Suzuka circuit has solely hosted this iconic race and remained a fan favorite ever since its first edition in 1987. However, after successfully being the only track to host the Japanese GP for almost 15 years, another destination in Japan has raised interest in hosting the race.

Osaka’s Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura expressed his interest in hosting the Japanese GP in Osaka itself. Hence, the governor has mentioned the prospects of an Osaka F1 GP, if the city could attract investments to facilitate such a massive event successfully.

We would very much like to realise the Osaka F1 Grand Prix. If we can attract investment from the world, we’ll be able to achieve things we currently can’t realize in Japan.
Yoshimura told Japan Today.
YouTube video

Additionally, Yoshimura further asserted that racing on regular roads in the city might be difficult due to the poor road quality. Hence, a street circuit might be achievable for the event if the city starts developing better roads for successfully hosting the Japanese GP.

FS Video
It would be difficult to use regular asphalt roads. We should develop better quality ones. Racing on a street circuit might be achievable at Yumeshima.

The 2024 season of Formula 1 will contain a record 24 races

Despite Hirofumi Yoshimura’s interest in replacing the iconic Suzuka circuit with a new track, the addition of any new races to the calendar seems far-fetched. The 2024 F1 calendar will contain an astonishing 24 races, the first time in the history of the sport. Hence, If the bid gets approved successfully, the Osaka GP will most likely put the current Suzuka GP under threat of being replaced.

Inaugural Las Vegas GP, first held in 2023
Inaugural Las Vegas GP, first held in 2023 (via F1).

Introducing a new race track can excite both drivers and fans who might find the same old tracks boring. The Las Vegas GP was the latest addition to the F1 calendar, running first in 2023. Hence, a 25th race in the calendar is highly unlikely and would most probably result in the exit of the iconic Suzuka circuit for the Japanese GP.

FIA and F1 are actively working towards making the sport better from its previous seasons. Additionally, the changes in the sprint format would also be exciting for the fans. This proves that F1 is ready to change their ways for the betterment of the sport, hence time will tell if Osaka’s bid turns successful or not. The destination would bring promising results and racing actions due to the nature of a street circuit.

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