FEBRUARY 2, 2002

Rebuilding work at Suzuka

SUZUKA has long needed to be revamped. There was some work done last year on the Formula 1 paddock but there were also safety issues needing to addressed on the race track and work is now underway to increase run-off areas in the most dangerous areas, notably the sweepers behind the paddock where there have been a number of large accidents in recent years. The work is expected to be finished in time for the Japanese Grand Prix in October but for the moment the final length of the circuit is still not known as this will depend on the reprofiling of certain corners.

The Suzuka authorities (ultimately the track is owned by Honda) are keen to keep the F1 world happy as it is expected that Toyota-owned Mount Fuji will bid the Japanese Grand Prix when the current contract with Suzuka expires.