From GMM
Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway on Tuesday confirmed reports that the circuit will no longer host the Japanese grand prix.
It had been widely rumoured that the venue located in the foothills of Mount Fuji, west of Tokyo, would relinquish the hosting rights due to Toyota's financial struggles.
After running races in 2007 and 2008, Fuji was set to return to the calendar in 2010 according to a new alternating agreement with Honda's popular Suzuka track.
"We decided it would be extremely difficult to continue holding the Japanese grand prix ... in view of sharply deteriorating business conditions and few signs of a rapid economic recovery," read a statement issued by Fuji Speedway.
This October, the Japanese grand prix will return to Suzuka.
The Japanese news agency Kyodo said last week that Fuji's pullout could lead to Suzuka hosting the Japanese grand prix every year, despite owner Honda no longer fielding its own F1 team.
photo:WRI2
Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway on Tuesday confirmed reports that the circuit will no longer host the Japanese grand prix.
It had been widely rumoured that the venue located in the foothills of Mount Fuji, west of Tokyo, would relinquish the hosting rights due to Toyota's financial struggles.
After running races in 2007 and 2008, Fuji was set to return to the calendar in 2010 according to a new alternating agreement with Honda's popular Suzuka track.
"We decided it would be extremely difficult to continue holding the Japanese grand prix ... in view of sharply deteriorating business conditions and few signs of a rapid economic recovery," read a statement issued by Fuji Speedway.
This October, the Japanese grand prix will return to Suzuka.
The Japanese news agency Kyodo said last week that Fuji's pullout could lead to Suzuka hosting the Japanese grand prix every year, despite owner Honda no longer fielding its own F1 team.
photo:WRI2