The MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix has not been held at Suzuka for a very long time now. Since the death of Daijiro Kato in 2003, the FIM has preferred Motegi. Even if the speedway and the two tunnel passages have their charm, it must be recognized that Suzuka was of a completely different caliber. More than twenty years after the tragic accident of the #74, why is the MotoGP Couldn't it be returned? After all, F1 runs there, and it could be brought up to standard if it doesn't. Here's the story of this incredible circuit, often described as one of the most beautiful in the world.
The legend of Suzuka
This track, located in southern Japan in Mie Prefecture, was designed at the request of the legendary Soichiro Honda, founder of the company of the same name, who wanted a test circuit. Its doors opened in 1962, and since then it has become a legend. It has nothing in common. First of all, the layout: it's one of the only major circuits in the world that isn't a loop, but a figure 8 with a bridge crossing the track. The track's character lies in its long, high-speed curves and its complicated sections.
An exceptional panorama.
Between the difficult braking of the Casio chicane (which became famous thanks to Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna in 1989), the unforgivable Degner curve, or the enjoyable 130R : there's no shortage of legendary corners. Formula 1 has been a regular fixture here since the mid-1980s, and the clashes between four-wheeled titans are also responsible for its success. But motorcycles play a major role in Suzuka's history; a story that is sometimes magnificent, sometimes tragic.
In fact, two-wheelers have been present since the circuit opened. In 1962, Jim Redman won his Honda at home, to the delight of the fans and the company, who were happy to see one of its machines triumph 'at home'. So much has happened there, that it is impossible to mention everything ; so much so that the numerous battles between Kevin Schwantz and his many adversaries – this circuit was one of his favorites – at the end of the 1980s are ultimately only part of the myth.
Suzuka is more than that. It was here that young Japanese hopefuls came to learn their skills as wild cards. Once a year, they rubbed shoulders with the best in the world. It was therefore not uncommon to see an unknown in a very good position; I have in mind Tadahiko Taira's pole position in 1989, not to mention the performance of Norifumi Abe in 1994, who played spoilsport among the leaders before falling.
More generally, the Japanese seemed to be in another world when it came to Suzuka, often the first round of the season. Dozens of local riders won there in all categories. Thus, in 1995, the three Aoki brothers (Haruchika, Nobuatsu and Takuma) made it to the podium in all three different categories! Never before seen.
People there are so passionate.
Between heaven and earth
The master of the place was also Japanese. Daijiro Kato won the 250cc Grand Prix four times, and the mention of his name brings to mind the dramas linked to this track, and these are unfortunately inseparable. In 2003, after losing control at the exit of the 130R, Kato hit the wall on the left side of the track. At 200 km/h at this point, there is not much to do. The 2001 250cc world champion joined Satoru Takashima, Kengo Kiyama, Kunio Katsumata, Naoto Ogura, Mamoru Yamakawa and Keisuke Sato, all of whom died on the circuit during Grand Prix or other races.
Indeed, it is impossible to talk about Suzuka and motorcycling without mentioning the various endurance events. The Suzuka 8 Hours is part of the circuit's DNA, and has brought together the biggest names in our sport. Valentino Rossi, Carlos Checa, Alex Barros, Eddie lawson, and now Johann Zarco… all have won the prestigious event, taken very seriously by the manufacturers. It is an opportunity to admire the magnificent infrastructure, the amusement park in the blazing heat – which gives the 8 Hours a worldwide reputation -.
After Kato's death, we no longer saw the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, which was now moved to Motegi, a race which, incidentally, already existed in the championship in the form of the 'Pacific Grand Prix'. Considered too dangerous for MotoGP, it is still a shame to no longer find this unique atmosphere in the world, and no longer seeing the drivers take on the immense curves. It nevertheless remains one of the monuments of motor sports, a unique jewel that stands out from many sanitized circuits. Liberty Media, you know what you have to do!
What memories do you have of Suzuka? Tell me in the comments!
