Japanese Grand Prix

The first Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, in 1976, was held at the Fuji Speedway, west of Yokohama. The race was to become famous for the battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda for the championship. The race was held during monsoon rain conditions. Lauda had survived a near-fatal crash at the German Grand Prix earlier in the season. He withdrew from the Japanese Grand Prix fearing for his safety. Hunt finished third, and ended up winning championship by a margin of one point.

Hunt returned to win the second Japanese Grand Prix. There was a collision between Gilles Villeneuve and Ronnie Peterson in the race. Villeneuve's Ferrari flew off the track and killed two spectators.[2] The Japanese Grand Prix did not return to Formula One for another decade.

Formula One returned to Japan in 1987. This time, it was hosted by the Suzuka Circuit, south west of Nagoya. The circuit was set inside a amusement park, and owned by Honda. Honda used the circuit as a test track. The Suzuka circuit was the first figure-eight race track in F1. One section of the track passes over the other on a bridge.

The FIA announced on 24 March 24 2006 that future races will again be held at Fuji Speedway. Fuji had been redesigned by Hermann Tilke.[3]

Formula One announced On 8 September 2007, that Fuji will alternate hosting the Japanese Grand Prix with Suzuka. This will start in 2009.[4]

In July 2009, Toyota cited a global economic slump as the reason that the Japanese Grand Prix would not return to Fuji Speedway in 2010 and beyond. The speedway argued, according to the Associated Press, that "continuing to host F1 races could threaten the survival of the company." As a result, the 2010 Grand Prix will be held at Suzuka.[5]

Drivers in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.
A pink background indicates an event which was not part of the Formula One World Championship.

Wins	Driver	Years won
6	Michael Schumacher	1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004
5	Lewis Hamilton	2007, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018
4	Sebastian Vettel	2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
2	Motoharu Kurosawa	1969, 1973
	Gerhard Berger	1987, 1991
	Ayrton Senna	1988, 1993
	Damon Hill	1994, 1996
	Mika Häkkinen	1998, 1999
	Fernando Alonso	2006, 2008

Teams in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.
A pink background indicates an event which was not part of the Formula One World Championship.

Wins	Constructor	Years won
9	McLaren	1977, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2011
7	Ferrari	1987, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
6	Mercedes	2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
4	Red Bull	2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
3	Benetton	1989, 1990, 1995
	Williams	1992, 1994, 1996
2	Lotus	1963, 1976
	Porsche	1964, 1967
	Nissan	1968, 1969
	Renault	2006, 2008

Manufacturers in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.
A pink background indicates an event which was not part of the Formula One World Championship.

Wins	Manufacturer	Years won
11	Mercedes *	1998, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
10	Renault	1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
7	Ferrari	1987, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
	Ford **	1963, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1989, 1990, 1993
2	Honda	1988, 1991

* Between 1998-2005 built by Ilmor

** Built by Cosworth