Fuji Speedway

Round 2 of the 2005 SUPER GT series visits the famed Fuji International Speedway on May 3rd and 4th for the first major event at the circuit after its 18-month complete refurbishment.

The track, famous around the globe for hosting the first-ever Formula One races in Japan back in the mid-seventies, is a mecca for motorsports fans, both throughout Japan and abroad. Its international appeal stems not only from the F1 link, but also as it features the longest main straight (at 1500 meters) of any modern circuit in the world!

After 38 years creating careers, racing records, triumphs, wins and losses, the esteemed track closed on September 15, 2003 for a complete overhaul. Modern F1 track design guru Hermann Tilke was the firm chosen to take the reins for the new layout of the track, with the project being completed earlier this year.

Overall, the track itself looks familiar except for the complex of corners just before the main straight. What used to be a sweeping uphill right-hander after the old Dunlop chicane is now a completely new three-corner section that, while slightly slowing the approach to the main straight, is a whole new test for drivers and an exciting viewing opportunity for fans.

For the 45-strong SUPER GT field, the track is essentially a completely new sparring ground. Apart from a highly-publicized and well-attended tire test at the circuit last month, this track is all-new; and will no doubt throw up some sweet surprises for the competitors and fans alike.

The leaders after the opening round of the series at Okayama International Circuit, the #25 Team Tsuchiya ADVAN SUPRA, will be eager to maintain their points advantage over the rest of the field. However, it remains to be seen just who, or what car, will take the laurels after three hours of intense racing action on Wednesday, May 4th.

The regular players will all be there, as well as an old favorite - and a notable new entry. The Hitotsuyama Racing McLaren F1 GTR (the #20 machine in GT500) makes its season debut as a Spot Entry (The car raced until the end of the 2003 season, and is scheduled to appear a number of times this season), while in the GT300 class, the #110 Porsche Boxster makes its series' debut, and could be a major spanner in the works for a few of the more established teams in the class.

It's not only the newness of the track's characteristics that will be a factor this Golden Week (spring break in Japan), the race distance is also a major factor. SUPER GT events usually run approximately 300kms, while this event is 500 kilometers. What this means is; drivers will have to make two pit stops rather than their usual one. In regular events, there is one (mandatory) driver switch, while in this race, will they switch twice? Will one pilot do the lion's share? Will the strategy work for, or against, the team's plans? It's all to play for, and the unpredictability the series is famous for will only be heightened at this, the first event at the new Fuji Speedway.