By Phil Huff
March 13 2006

Honda have lost the Japanese Grand Prix, historically held at the company's own Suzuka circuit, to rivals Toyota and their Fuji Speedway circuit. Bernie Ecclestone is claimed to have signed a 'multi-year contract' with Fuji Speedway. Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway, which was home to the Japan Grand Prix for 10 years before the race moved to Honda-operated Suzuka in 1987, was reopened in April last year after a two-year revamp which saw significant changes to the circuit.

Suzuka Circuitland president Ikuo Shimizu confirmed that the circuit would like to continue hosting an F1 race, telling the Yomiuri Shimbun: "I'm not surprised at all because I had heard the rumour. I'm going to keep on negotiating."

Ecclestone left open the possibility of Japan holding a second Grand Prix, given that there are now three Japanese teams racing in the series. However, with Italy and Germany both looking set to lose their second races, running a second Grand Prix in Japan would look unviable.