Another classic F1 race UNDER THREAT from street circuit

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Another classic F1 race UNDER THREAT from street circuit

F1 could see another stalwart leave the calendar

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Friday 26 January 2024 15:57

Suzuka's future as the host track of the Japanese Grand Prix is under threat, with Osaka revealed to be bidding to host a race.

The Osaka tourism board recently held a meeting where a street race in the city was discussed, and the tourism bureau chairman has now admitted a 'long-term plan' to bring Formula 1 to their streets.

F1 is about to embark on its longest ever season, with 24 races taking place across 21 different countries in the upcoming year.

The sport's tendency in recent years has been to add street circuits, with the Azerbaijan GP, Miami GP and Las Vegas GP all being added to the calendar in the last eight years.

It has also recently been announced that a race around the streets of Madrid will take place from 2026 onwards, sparking mixed reviews about the way in which the sport is heading.

The Suzuka race track is one of the most iconic on the F1 calendar

F1 recently confirmed that a street race will take place in Madrid from 2026

The controversial Las Vegas GP took place for the first time in 2023

Another new F1 track on the cards

Now, Osaka tourism bureau chairman Hiroshi Mizohata has spoken to Motorsport.com about the city's plans to make Osaka the next host of an F1 race.

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“F1 will be the perfect catalyst for Osaka to become an international tourist city,” he said. “In order for Osaka to achieve that, it is important to attract wealthy people from Europe, America, and Australia.

“We also believe that F1 will be the perfect catalyst for attracting luxury hotels and revitalising the nighttime economy.

“The circuit itself may be difficult to make (profitable), but if you consider the entire city, I think it has potential.

“At this point, I cannot say how many years from now we are aiming to make it happen. I think it will be a long-term plan."

Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix Miami GP Azerbaijan GP