Suzuka could return in 2008
The specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport claims that there could be two races in Japan next season, following Bernie Ecclestone's realization of the true popularity of the figure-of-eight Suzuka layout and also pressure from its owner, the Honda Motor Co.
Ecclestone criticized Suzuka's ageing facilities before axing it for 2007, much to Toyota's delight after the carmaker refurbished the Fuji Speedway at considerable cost.
Suzuka's return next year would reinstate the Pacific Grand Prix; a term last used in 1995 when the circuit was twinned with a race in the Japanese city of Aida.
Auto Motor und Sport said Honda has agreed to "pay the bill" for Suzuka's return to the calendar — a reputed $30m.
10/07/06 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone made a rare appearance at the Suzuka circuit this weekend, sparking paddock speculation that the Japanese venue might one day soon return to the calendar.
However, amid rumors of a 'Pacific Grand Prix' here perhaps in 2012, or a Germany-like alternating scheme before then, McLaren boss Ron Dennis slammed the circuit for not doing enough to fend off the advances of Fuji.
''In life if you want to hold on to something you have to work at it,'' the Briton told reporters, as he revealed that his room at the circuit hotel 'smells'.
''They should have done more.''