Suzuka Race Track

From Paddy Fields to Pit Lanes: The Suzuka Story

From Paddy Fields to Pit Lanes: The Suzuka Story

When did the founder of Honda start thinking about a circuit to test his vehicles?

Who was the founder of Honda?

Why did he create the Suzuka Circuit?

What was there before the circuit was built?

When did Honda buy this land?

What happened to the farmers?

From Paddy Fields to Pit Lanes: The Suzuka Story

It was the late 1950s when the founder of Honda, Soichiro Honda, decided he needed his own place to test his vehicles.

Looking at the Suzuka Circuit now, it's hard to imagine that before the Formula One cars and the grandstands full of fans — often wearing fun car-themed hats — this place was nothing but paddy fields.

But this was the land Honda bought in 1959 — paddy fields outside Suzuka City.

There were perhaps easier places to make a track, but the farmers were moved to new fields and the Suzuka Circuit was born.

From Paddy Fields to Pit Lanes: The Suzuka Story

Why did Honda need the help of John Hugenholtz?

Is the circuit easy and boring?

What is a lap?

WHat is it called when you go over or under a part of the track that you have already crossed?

How many corners are in the lap?

How many times do drivers need to go around the lap?

From Paddy Fields to Pit Lanes: The Suzuka Story

Well, after some time. First, Honda needed the help of a Dutch designer named John Hugenholtz.

Together, they designed a circuit that has become one of the most difficult but popular in motorsport.

It is one of the few tracks — and the only F1 track — with a "crossover" or "figure-of-eight" layout. At Suzuka, drivers go over a part of the track that they have already passed under.

It is also known for its S-shaped corners in the first half of the lap — among 18 corners altogether. F1 drivers have to drive around these 53 times during a Grand Prix.

From Paddy Fields to Pit Lanes: The Suzuka Story

When did the circuit first open?

Which vehicles can use the track?

When was the first Grand Prix taken place?

How many hours do they do the Motorbike race for?

WHat other attractions are there?

What is a Ferris Wheel?

From Paddy Fields to Pit Lanes: The Suzuka Story

The circuit first opened in 1962 and was used for races both for bikes and cars. But the first F1 Grand Prix didn't take place here until 1987.

The Grand Prix is still probably the biggest weekend of the year for Suzuka, but it also holds the Suzuka 8 Hours race every year, a race for motorbikes.

Visitors can also go to the amusement park across the road where there are cars and karts for people of all ages to try, and they can ride the famous Ferris wheel that looks down over the vehicles below.

From Paddy Fields to Pit Lanes: The Suzuka Story

What did you know about the Suzuka Circuit before reading this article?

Have you been to a motor race? If so, where was it? If not, would you like to?

Are you a fan of Formula One? What are your favorite tracks?.

Is Formula One popular where you live?

Do you think you'd enjoy being a race car driver?