Japanese Grand Prix

Because of the exciting and challenging layout of Fuji Speedway Circuit the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most-loved F1 events of the season.

The track has hosted many races in the past, and because of its traditional place at the end of the schedule which means that this event has seen a great number of championship crowns being won and lost.

However, the Japanese Grand Prix is unique because it does not always take place on the same circuit - proving the thrill of the F1 race and the energy of Tokyo city make for a spectacular event.

Last year's Japanese Grand Prix took place at Fuji Speedway and proved to be one to go down in history as spectators watched the safety car lead the first 18 laps of the race in torrential rainfall. But as soon as that rain stopped, the action became endless and the racing unimaginable.

With an epic straight, the longest in Formula 1, at approximately 1 mile, connected by a relatively simple loop, various corners to encourage exciting racing and overtaking, and slower corners to decrease entry speed for the start-finish straight, the racing is almost always unlike any other on the F1 circuit.

This year the race is back at Fuji Speedway but from 2009 it will alternate between here and the Suzuka Circuit.

Off track

Tokyo is without a doubt one of the most exciting cities on earth so if you're here for the Grand Prix it would be criminal not to explore the rest of this dynamic city. The sheer energy in Tokyo is felt as soon as one arrives in Japan's capital.

Tokyo is regarded a glittering example of the ‘miracle' of post-WWII Japan but whatever its history Tokyo is the best place to experience urban, modern Japan.

Allow for two full days of exploring if you really want to get the best out of your visit.

Start your day with a visit to Asakusa, where a touch of the old Tokyo still survives. Then, take the boat on the Sumida River from Asakusa to Hama Rikyu - a nice landscape garden at the Tokyo Bay waterfront.

From here it is just a few steps to the elegant skyscrapers of Shiodome, where you can hop onto the Yurikamome elevated train over the rainbow bridge to Odaiba - a futuristic entertainment and shopping district on a man-made island.

For more conventional entertainment Tokyo Disney Resort is just 15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station and consists of two separate theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Formula fun
Eighteen cities, nine months, 26 teams, 11 drivers, but just one winner - this is life in the fast lane.

Australian Grand Prix
The Formula One Australian Grand Prix is frequently presented with the award for best organised event by the FIA, which means that both on and off the track - this is an event not to be missed.

Malaysian Grand Prix
The Malaysian Grand Prix may not have been part of the Formula One circuit for long, but Kuala Lumpur boasts a track worthy of hosting both the F1 grand Prix and FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix and one which really raises the standards for all other circuits.

Bahrain Grand Prix
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is arguably the biggest sporting occasion in the Middle East.

Spanish Grand Prix
Set in the vibrant Barcelona the Spanish Grand Prix is one of the most exciting races in the F1 circuit.

Turkish Grand Prix
The Istanbul Racing Circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is just a stone's throw away from the newly constructed Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport.

Monaco Grand Prix
In the world of major sporting events, nothing can compare to the sheer elegance, glamour and excitement that is arguably Formula One's most prestigious race - the Grand Prix of Monaco.

Canadian Grand Prix
With the combination of the fantastic Gilles Villeneuve track and its exceptional nightlife, Montreal has become an annual trip for many motor lovers from all over the world.

French Grand Prix
There is something very special about the French Grand Prix in Magny Cours.

British Grand Prix
The very first Formula One Grand Prix took place at Silverstone in 1948 on a track marked out with straw bales and large oil drums.

German Grand Prix
Traditionally the German Grand Prix was all about raw horsepower. It was a flat-out blast around a 4.2 mile tree-lined track before it raged into the stadium section that houses the thousands of fans.

Hungarian Grand Prix
The Hungaroring circuit is 19km from the centre of Budapest, alongside the M3 motorway at the border of the village, Mogyoród.

European Grand Prix
Set along the stunning Mediterranean coast in Spain's third largest city, Valencia, the European Grand Prix is expected to be nothing short of phenomenal.

Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix is favourite track amongst many drivers.

Italian Grand Prix
For passionate Formula One fans the world over, the Italian Grand Prix is one not to be missed. Few stops along the Formula One route can rival that of Italy's celebrated Grand Prix.

Singapore Grand Prix
There is much anticipation about the Singapore Grand Prix. Not only is it the newest addition to the Formula One calendar, but it is Formula One's first ever night race.

Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix circuit is like no other, shaped like a letter or character from the Shang (ancient Chinese alphabet), it combines sweeping curves and long straights leading onto hairpin corners, succeeded in making overtaking opportunities possible.

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