Fuji Speedway
Iconic Toyota-owned circuit in the shadow of Mount Fuji, host of two of the most weather-affected races in Formula 1 history.
Circuit at a glance
- Years active
- 1976–1977, 2007–2008
- F1 races
- 4
- Length
- 4.563 km
- Turns
- 16
History and character
Fuji hosted F1's first ever race in Japan in 1976 — the title decider in which Niki Lauda withdrew from the rain-lashed race and James Hunt scrambled to the championship. After a long absence, Toyota poured huge investment into modernising the circuit, and it returned in 2007 and 2008 before the global financial crisis ended Toyota's F1 program.
Why it left the calendar
With Toyota's withdrawal, hosting rights returned to Suzuka, where the Japanese Grand Prix has stayed ever since. Fuji remains a major Japanese motorsport venue, hosting WEC and Super GT rounds.
Iconic moment
James Hunt versus Niki Lauda, 1976 — the rain-soaked title decider that ended with Lauda's principled withdrawal and Hunt's championship by a single point.
Notable Grand Prix winners
- Mario Andretti
- James Hunt
- Lewis Hamilton
- Fernando Alonso