Suzuka extended until 2018 on the F1 calendar
The future of the Japanese Grand Prix is secured for the coming years following the signing of a contract ensuring the presence of the Japanese event until 2018.
For once, the future of the Belgian Grand Prix is not being discussed this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. The Belgian event is, in fact, confirmed to be on the calendar until 2015. This Friday morning, the future of another Formula 1 monument was sealed for the coming years. Hiroshi Soda, president of the Mobility Corporation that manages the Suzuka circuit, was indeed present in Bernie Ecclestone’s motorhome to sign an agreement ensuring the presence of the Japanese Grand Prix until 2018.
« It is with great pleasure that we have signed a contract after reaching an agreement in principle last March. I would like to thank Mr. Bernie Ecclestone for his understanding during the negotiation process. We will continue to work to ensure that Suzuka remains a destination appreciated by fans around the world, » said Hiroshi Soda happily.
« It was concluded that Suzuka will host Formula 1 until 2018. It’s also good news to see Honda returning to F1 in 2015. I’m certain that the Japanese Grand Prix will attract more attention than ever, » said Bernie Ecclestone.
The Formula One Circus visited Japan for the first time in 1976 at Fuji. After two editions, it took 10 years for F1 to return to the Land of the Rising Sun, in 1987 at Suzuka, which hosted 24 of the 28 Japanese Grand Prix in history. Fuji made a brief return in 2007 and 2008.
From our special correspondent in Spa-Francorchamps
