JULY 7, 2009

Fuji dumps F1

Toyota subsidiary Fuji Speedway has confirmed rumours that it has hosted its last Grand Prix, at least for the time being.

Toyota subsidiary Fuji Speedway has confirmed rumours that it has hosted its last Grand Prix, at least for the time being. The track hosted the Japanese GP in 2007 and 2008 but the races were not a financial success and Fuji Speedway has concluded that it makes no sense to continue. The original plan was to share the race with Suzuka. Fuji will continue to host national events such as Formula Nippon, Japanese Super GT and other Japanese races.

"After only having announced barely three years ago, in March 2006, that Fuji Speedway would hold the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, it is heart-wrenching that we were not able to avoid the decision to abandon our plans to hold the race from 2010," said Hiroaki Kato, the track president. "To the people who attended the event at Fuji Speedway last year and the year before, to those who were looking forward to the event there in the future, and to all those locally and elsewhere who granted us their immense understanding and encouragement, I deeply apologize for a result not commensurate with your expectations. At the same time, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for your kind support."