Motegi Circuit Japan

Honda constructed this 2.983 miles circuit, which also incorporates an Indy Car style oval, in 1997 in the hilly countryside 63 miles north of Tokyo. The track has a comparatively long back straight but a series of slow corners and also two tunnels which allows the oval to run round the outside. It is a major attraction for motor sport fans all year round, as it is also home to the Honda Collection Hall, a museum housing a distinguished collection of motorcycle, car and racing machines from all through the ages. Additionally, there is a resort-type hotel and an auto camp-site where visitors can enjoy the rich nature.

The 2005 race saw Loris Capirossi win his fourth MotoGP win from pole position, ahead of Max Biaggi and local favourite Makato Tamada. Valentino Rossi, who only had to finish fourth to secure the overall title, failed to complete the race. Rossi was pursuing the breakaway pair of Capirossi and Honda's Max Biaggi when his Yamaha collided with the Honda of his good friend Marco Melandri under braking for one of Motegi's tricky right-handers. Melandri was left in the gravel with reported damage to his heel while an unhurt Rossi rushed to the stricken rider's aid.

The circuit is 63 miles from Tokyo Narita Airport. Using the JOBAN expressway from the toll gate, head towards Kasama for 180 yards, then left at first the signal, and right at the next. This road merges into Prefecture 52. Follow Mito-Motegi road, Prefecture 51 to arrive at the south gate. Approaching from the TOHOKU expressway; from the toll gate follow National route 119, merging into National route 4. Turn left towards Yanagida Bridge, taking Prefecture 69, merging into National road 123 to arrive at the circuit's north gate. There is one daily bus service from downtown Tokyo (Hamamatsu-cho) to downtown Motegi.