F1 News: Japanese Officials Call For Another Semi-Street Grand Prix With New Location Identified
For months, there have been reports indicating that Osaka, the third most populous city in Japan, has been in the process of formulating an F1 project plan. Now, the Chairman of the Osaka Tourism Bureau, Hiroshi Mizohata, has officially announced the city's aspirations to host F1 races in the future, emphasizing the potential boost in business and tourism it could bring.
Suzuka has traditionally served as Formula 1's venue for the Japanese Grand Prix. However, to stimulate economic activities in Osaka, there are considerations to build a circuit. This idea gained momentum after a Japanese delegation visited and observed the positive impact created by the Singapore Grand Prix in the area last year.
Recently, Formula 1 confirmed Madrid as the new venue for the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026. Speaking to Motorsport.com about the desire to add Osaka to the F1 calendar. Mizohata said:
“F1 will be the perfect catalyst for Osaka to become an international tourist city.
“In order for Osaka to achieve that, it is important to attract wealthy people from Europe, America, and Australia.
“We also believe that F1 will be the perfect catalyst for attracting luxury hotels and revitalizing the nighttime economy.
"I went to watch the Singapore Grand Prix, and it was completely different from the image I had of F1. There were live events going on, and there were business meetings for luxury brands at nearby hotels."
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The authority's intentions regarding the format of the race remain unclear. It is uncertain whether they plan for a street race within the city, or construct a circuit on the city's outskirts, or a hybrid-style format incorporating the Osaka Expo site on Yumeshima Island, set to be completed by 2025.
In the initial phases of development, the project has not yet determined the location for the race venue. Although there is a possibility that Osaka authorities have initiated discussions with Formula 1 personnel, official negotiations for a race contract have not commenced.
However, the city has made it evident that it intends to secure private investment for constructing the circuit and track infrastructure, steering away from the use of taxpayer funds for the long-term project. Mizohata explained:
“The circuit itself may be difficult to make [profitable], but if you consider [the economic impact on] the entire city, I think it has potential.
“At this point, I cannot say how many years from now we are aiming to make it happen. I think it will be a long-term plan.
“I heard that it took a long time for Singapore to hold the event for the first time, so I don't think it will be quick. But if there's a chance, I'll give it a try.”
Furthermore, the official expressed the desire to include both Osaka and Suzuka on the F1 calendar simultaneously, as Suzuka's contract with Formula 1 is set to expire at the end of this year.
