The Japanese city of Osaka has set up a council of experts to help bring a Formula 1 race to the city in the future – What about Suzuka?
The Japanese city of Osaka wants to bring a Formula 1 race to the city and has set up a council of experts to support its efforts. To complicate matters, the premier class is already a guest in Japan and the Suzuka circuit already has a long-term contract. Nevertheless, Osaka wants to seize the opportunity to recommend himself
At the beginning of 2024, those responsible in Osaka made it clear that they wanted to host a Formula 1 race. The city is hoping that this will boost the economy and international tourism. For this reason, an expert council called the “Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau” was founded in the summer.
Nine members are to identify key elements and discuss how the city can win over the top class. In addition, the economic aspect will also be analyzed in order to assess the impact of a Formula 1 race on the local economy.
The council is made up of experts from the fields of tourism, urban development, motorsport, media, entertainment, stakeholder management, diversity and science. “In January, we declared that we wanted to bid for Formula 1,” says Hiroshi Mizohata, Chairman of the Council. “We have received different opinions from various stakeholders and fans.”
“In Japan, motorsport is seen as entertainment for a few enthusiasts, but diversity is increasing and it has become a sport that everyone can enjoy,” continues Mizohata. “It is also a test laboratory for sustainable mobility, for example in the area of CO2 neutrality.”
Yuki Tsunoda is currently a Japanese rider in the field. He belongs to the midfield with the Racing Bulls. Mizohata believes that motorsport in Japan could experience a renaissance if more top Japanese drivers were involved. “If such athletes become role models for the dreams and hopes of Japanese children, then motorsport [in Japan] can be revived.”
That is why he has teamed up with experts to investigate exactly what is needed to further develop motorsport in Japan. However, Formula 1 is already a guest in the country, at one of the most traditional race tracks: Suzuka. The contract with the circuit was recently extended until 2029.
Osaka would like to host the second Japanese Formula 1 race in addition to the Suzuka Grand Prix. A hybrid of a street circuit and permanent race track is planned. The track could be built near the Expo in Osaka. However, it is questionable whether Formula 1 wants to have two races so close together in one market. Osaka and Suzuka are only 130 kilometers apart.
In comparison: Austin, Miami and Las Vegas are each around 2,100 kilometers apart, Miami and Las Vegas are even around 4,000 kilometers apart. This means that three races can coexist in the USA, as the markets are different. In addition, the Formula 1 calendar is already very bloated with 24 race weekends. Races such as Barcelona are on the brink, so Osaka could replace a retiring Grand Prix. In any case, those responsible want to fight for it
