Volume 04, Number 18
Formula One Fever Hits Japan
A racegoer's guide.
by Emily Downey
Even as a die-hard fan of Formula One, it wasn't until the third season of my passion for the sport that I experienced my first live race. Access to the track, prohibitive costs, and exceptional television coverage kept me away from the circuit and front seat action. Finally I made the effort to get to a race and I will never forget the first time I heard the roar of a Formula One car.
The goose bumps I felt then resurface now as I recall that day eight years ago. The sound was as it had been on television, but magnified a hundred times over, not only in decibels, but in soul penetrating intensity. I was hooked. Over a dozen live races later, I am now gearing up for my first ever Japan Grand Prix at the nearby Fuji Speedway circuit, which boasts the longest home straight of any track in the world that hosts F1 racing.
The race runs over 67 laps on Sunday September 30, starting at 1:30pm. Unlike previous years where the Japanese Grand Prix was held at the poorly located Suzuka circuit—a good six-hour door-to-door commute from Tokyo, the new circuit's close proximity to Tokyo—think two-hour drive, gives those F1 fans who have yet to visit a live race the perfect chance to enjoy an exhilarating day.
This year's race is at full capacity, so unfortunately there is no way to buy tickets at the circuit, and most of the official outlets are also sold out. Unofficial channels, like the internet and ticket shops still have tickets available for those of you willing to pay more than the original sale price.
For those of you are lucky enough to have bought general entry tickets for the three days of the race, you can wander around the circuit and find a good viewing place to enjoy the action. Insiders tip, take a plastic picnic mat, arrive early at the track and stake your claim on a prime position—no one will move your mat and you are free to wander around while there is no racing to be seen.
Reserved ticket holders include general entry and your own pre-designated seat in a stand. Don't feel bad if you didn't manage to get a pit straight seat, stands on any of the corners are better as you will see the cars approach, slow down and speed up again, much more interesting than the pricey straights where the cars just whiz by.
There are no train stations within walking distance of the track, however, several stations will have free shuttle buses ferrying fans to the track. For the Saturday and Sunday action JR East will be running special express trains which will offer convenient access from Shinjuku to Fujikyu High-Land station, where designated shuttle buses will be available.
Ticket holders are able to get to the track by their own private car. There are eleven car parks available, many with thousands of spaces available and free shuttles to take you to the track. There are no car parks in or near the track that are available to the public, so don't expect to be able to drive right up to the track and be able to park and walk. For full details on where these parks are located and the cost, see Fuji Speedways official website in English: www.fujispeedway.jp/english/index.html