Suzuka Circuit Extends F1 Contract

The Japanese Grand Prix will continue as a fixture of the Formula One calendar until at least 2012, after the Suzuka circuit extended it’s current deal for another year.

The circuit’s long-term Formula One future however, looks more uncertain, with new venues appearing nearly every season.

This season was set to be the longest ever F1 schedule until the Bahrain Grand Prix was called off because of civil unrest.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has said 20 races, which the 2011 was scheduled for, is the maximum the F1 calender should be.

The United States is scheduled to return to F1 with a new track in Austin, Texas in 2012 and Russia will join the calendar for the first time in 2014, leaving circuits who pay lower fees and have shorter contracts, such as Suzuka, vulnerable to dropping off the list entirely.

Suzuka, like Britain’s Silverstone circuit, is not supported by national or local government, meaning the £30-£50m a year to host the race has to be privately funded.

According to media reports, Suzuka look particularly vulnerable following a decline in Japanese involvement in the sport.

The Honda team pulled out of F1 in 2008, with Toyota following a year later – however Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi will appear for Sauber in 2011, while Japanese company Infiniti recently became a sponsor for the Red Bull team.

Suzuka held it’s first Grand Prix in 1987, and this season’s 53 lap race will be held on 9th October.