Fuji International Speedway

Located in the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji, Fuji International Speedway is one of Japan's most significant motorsport venues. Originally designed in 1963 as a NASCAR-style superspeedway, financial constraints led to a hybrid road course-oval layout when it opened in 1965. A notoriously dangerous high-banked first turn was abandoned after a fatal accident in 1974. Fuji hosted the first-ever Formula 1 race in Japan in 1976, a dramatic, rain-soaked championship decider where James Hunt clinched the title. Acquired by Toyota in 2000, the circuit underwent a major redesign by Hermann Tilke and reopened in 2005. The modern 4.563 km (2.835-mile) circuit is known for its exceptionally long 1.475 km main straight, one of the longest in motorsport, followed by a tight, technical infield section. It hosts premier events like the FIA World Endurance Championship's 6 Hours of Fuji and rounds of the Super GT and Super Formula series.