Formula One news

Fuji to say goodbye to F1?

The Fuji Speedway could already have hosted its final Grand Prix as rumours circulate that circuit owners Toyota are deciding whether to continue staging the event. With each circuit owner paying large sums to host races and Toyota suffering amid the global recession, the Japanese Grand Prix could take a full-time return to Suzuka from 2010 onwards.

Having moved from Suzuka to Fuji for 2007, last year was the first of a deal which sees the event alternate between the two venues, with Suzuka taking its turn in 2009. As Toyota considers its future in F1 as an entrant, however, the Japanese Grand Prix may return to Honda-owned Suzuka permanently in the event of the mountainous venue leaving the sport.

"FISCO (leaseholder of the venue and company behind the Fuji race) tell us they are taking various elements into account in their consideration towards hosting next year's Japanese Grand Prix," Paul Nolasco, of Toyota, explained to Reuters.

With Toyota itself having predicted a loss of $8.6b for the last financial year, the news of a possible Fuji exit also increases speculation over the future of the manufacturer's Formula One team, which entered the sport in 2002 and currently lies third in the constructors' World Championship; all teams entering F1 in 2010 must have entries submitted by the conclusion of Friday, with the FIA announcing the full grid on June 12.

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Lola ready to enter Formula 1
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation

Homepage