Autopolis International Racing Course Short
Autopolis International Racing Course Short Notes:
Autopolis is a 4.673 km international racing circuit located near Kamitsue village in Ōita Prefecture, Japan, within Aso Kujū National Park. The circuit was built at a cost of $500 million by wealthy real-estate developer Tomonori Tsurumaki and opened in 1990, designed by Yoshitoshi Sakurai, who was the project leader of the Honda F1 team during the 1960s. The circuit features an elevation change of over 50 meters and was hailed as the future of motor racing when it opened.
To promote hosting a Formula One race, Autopolis sponsored the Benetton Formula One team in 1990 and 1991. However, following the bankruptcy of Tsurumaki's company Nippon Tri-Trust in 1993, the circuit never hosted its planned F1 Asian GP. The only major international race held at Autopolis was the 1991 430km of Autopolis in the World Sportscar Championship, won by Michael Schumacher and Karl Wendlinger. The circuit was purchased by Kawasaki Motors in 2005 and currently hosts Super GT, D1 Grand Prix, Super Formula, and Super Taikyu events.
Short Notes:
The Short configuration at Autopolis International Racing Course in Japan represents a compact layout at this comprehensive motorsport facility in Kyushu's Oita Prefecture. The Short designation indicates reduced distance compared to the full circuit, creating a more accessible layout appropriate for club racing, driver training, and events requiring less demanding technical characteristics. This variant serves Autopolis' role in Japanese motorsport where multiple configurations accommodate diverse event requirements at this remote mountain facility.
Operating the Short configuration showcases Autopolis' versatile infrastructure where layout options serve varied motorsport disciplines at this facility built in 1990 in mountainous terrain. Kyushu's climate creates seasonal operational patterns with peak activity during warmer months. The Short configuration provides accessible experience serving Japanese motorsport community at this isolated venue representing significant motorsport investment in rural Kyushu, demonstrating the facility's commitment to serving varied skill levels through configuration diversity.
