JAPAN: Formula One mania sweeps Japan before JapaneseGrand Prix

Japanese Formula One fans already know that the Japanese Grand Prix will take place at the Suzuka track on October 8. Now other Japanese people are being made aware of the race, which will feature an exciting duel between Michael Schumacher and World Champion Fernando Alonso as they both attempt to win the 2006 championship. A series of events taking place across Japan to attract new fans - even though the race is usually sold out months in advance. In Tokyo on Sunday (September 24), some 8,000 fans lined up to watch Honda's Jenson Button and Toyota's Jarno Trulli demonstrate the power, speed and noise of their Formula One cars. The drivers sped up and down the roads in front of the spectators, and threw in a few spin turns and "donuts" to excite the crowd. "It's a very special event," said Jenson Button, adding, "I saw the queue around the building earlier. It's just crazy." The October championship at Suzuka Circuit, which will give up its status as Japan's Formula One venue to another circuit next year, seems to have returned the "racing fever" to the nation. In the heart of Tokyo's Marunouchi financial district last week (September 21), excited businessmen lined up to try their hand on a Williams Formula One simulator. The simulator looks just like a Williams car, complete with paint job and stickers, including those of Reuters which sponsors the team. Local business men Masatomo Usui and Ryuzo Nishida both drove the simulator after finding it nearby during their lunch hour. The realistic simulator gives the drivers the feel of the cockpit, the steering, the pedals, and even the sore muscles after turning the wheel to avoid the chicanes and barriers. The only thing missing is the smell of burning rubber and high octane petrol.

ITN Source | September 26, 2006

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