21/09/2006
NEWS STORY
Having lost the Japanese Grand Prix to the Toyota owned Fuji Speedway, officials are confident that Suzuka, one of the most popular tracks on the F1 calendar - with fans and drivers - is hoping to return to the schedule in 2008.
It was hoped that having lost the Japanese round of the championship, Suzuka might host the Pacific Grand Prix, as did the Aida Circuit in 1994 and 1995. However, speaking to Reuters, the circuit's public relations officer, Yasuo Sugaya, admitted that a request to host a race in 2007 had been turned down.
"We were informed by the Formula One authorities yesterday," he said. "Obviously we feel it is a great pity, but we are continuing negotiations in order to be included from the 2008 season.
"We had been hopeful we could come to an arrangement to have two races," he admitted, "but unfortunately it was not to be. "It's still possible we can come back next year (2008) so we'll keep trying."
In the FIA's 2005 'fan survey', Spa Francorchamps and Suzuka were among the most popular circuits. Spa was omitted from the 2006 schedule, but is due to return in 2007, while Suzuka's future remain uncertain.