Motegi

Overview

Twin Ring Motegi is a motorsport complex located in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan (36.5330°N, 140.2267°E), approximately 150 kilometers north of Tokyo. The facility features two distinct racing courses: a 2.4-kilometer oval track and a 4.8-kilometer road course. Owned by Mobilityland, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, the venue regularly hosts major international racing events, most notably the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix. The circuit is renowned for its technical layout, modern facilities, and its significance in Japanese motorsport culture.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

The road course at Twin Ring Motegi spans 4.8 kilometers (2.98 miles) with 14 challenging corners, featuring a good mix of slow technical sections and high-speed straights. The layout includes a 762-meter main straight, multiple hairpin turns, and elevation changes that test drivers' skills. The track surface, made of high-quality asphalt, provides excellent grip in various weather conditions. The oval course, measuring 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles), features progressive banking up to 10 degrees, allowing for high-speed oval racing rarely found in Asia. The circuit's design incorporates multiple overtaking opportunities, particularly at the end of the straights leading into tight corners, making it a favorite among competitors for its racing quality.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Twin Ring Motegi boasts state-of-the-art facilities including a main grandstand with a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators. The complex features the Honda Collection Hall, an impressive museum displaying historic Honda racing machines and production vehicles. The paddock area provides teams with modern garages equipped with advanced technical support systems. For driver and team comfort, the facility includes premium hospitality suites, media centers, and VIP viewing areas. Additional amenities include multiple catering outlets, merchandise shops, and interactive fan zones. The circuit also maintains specialized safety facilities including advanced medical centers, helicopter landing areas, and cutting-edge track monitoring systems that meet international racing standards.

History

Twin Ring Motegi was inaugurated in August 1997, built as part of Honda's commitment to motorsport development in Japan. The complex was designed to international specifications, intended to bring American-style oval racing to Japan while also catering to traditional road racing. In 1999, Motegi hosted its first premier motorcycling event, which evolved into a permanent fixture on the MotoGP calendar. The circuit gained international prominence when it became the stage for Daijiro Kato's memorable victories and later for local hero Takuma Sato's testing and development work in Formula 1. In 2008, Motegi witnessed historic moments including Valentino Rossi claiming a championship on Honda's home soil. Following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, the circuit underwent significant repairs and reinforcements, demonstrating resilience by returning to the racing calendar later that year. Today, Twin Ring Motegi stands as a symbol of Japan's rich motorsport heritage and Honda's racing legacy.