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Suzuka Signs 3-Year Deal with Formula 1

Bernie Ecclestone scored yet another victory in Formula One after today announcing that Suzuka just inked a 3-year deal with the series, from 2010 onwards. Following a successful return in Formula One this year, where most drivers admitted their delight over running on the famous Japanese track, the Honda-owned venue will continue to represent the Asian nation in the sport at least until 2012.

The official announcement was made by Mr. Hiroshi Oshima, president of race promoters Mobilityland Corporation, who was happy to end the rumors suggesting that Japan might be erased from the F1 map in the near future. Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway announced, earlier this year, that they won't be able to secure the funds for the hosting of the 2010 Japanese Grand Prix.

We are delighted that the Suzuka Circuit will now safeguard one of our most important national sporting events by playing host to the Japanese Grand Prix for the next three years,” said Oshima in a press release earlier today.

Suzuka has been a constant presence in the world of Formula One in the last 2 decades, as it first started to host the Japanese GP back in 1987. Most of the times, Suzuka was the place where the F1 season came to an end, setting the stage for some quite interesting season finales in the sport. However, due to poor development of the track, the race moved to Fuji Speedway for 2007 and 2008.

I have done, and will continue to do, everything to make the Japanese Grand Prix successful,” Bernie Ecclestone told the media, according to a report issued by Capsis International. Shortly after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the same Ecclestone revealed that he is thinking of extending the F1 calendar to 20 races in the near future.

This is the 3rd grand prix Ecclestone has managed to secure in recent weeks, following the new deals signed with Hockenheim and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The only unknown now remains the British Grand Prix, likely to return to Silverstone for the upcoming season.
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