Fuji Speedway lawsuit planned

Fuji Speedway

About 70 people will sue the Fuji Speedway for what they say was gross mismanagement of the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix last September, the most prestigious race in Japan, sources said.

They said they will seek ticket refunds and damages because part of the circuit could not be seen from some seats, traffic jams delayed shuttle buses they were required to take, and the refund system for the mess was unfair.

It is very rare for problems at a major sport event to develop into a legal battle.

The group says the lawsuit will be filed against Fuji International Speedway Co. with the Tokyo District Court as early as April after soliciting more plaintiffs through the Internet.

The Japanese Grand Prix was held at the Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, course from Sept. 28 to 30, attracting 280,000 spectators. It was the first time in 30 years that the speedway, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp., hosted the top motor racing event.