Okayama International Circuit
Okayama, Japan · 2 races held
Race History
| Year | Grand Prix | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Pacific Grand Prix | Michael Schumacher | Benetton |
| 1994 | Pacific Grand Prix | Michael Schumacher | Benetton |
About the Okayama International Circuit
The Okayama International Circuit, originally known as the TI Circuit Aida, sits in the hills near Aida in Japan's Okayama prefecture. The privately built track gave Japan a second Formula 1 venue alongside Suzuka, and for two seasons it hosted the Pacific Grand Prix — allowing Japan to stage two World Championship rounds in the same year.
The Pacific Grand Prix was held only in 1994 and 1995, both won by Michael Schumacher for Benetton. The remote location, limited spectator capacity and the cost of running a second Japanese race meant it did not survive on the calendar beyond those two seasons. It remains a footnote in F1's globe-trotting history, but a poignant one given the events of 1994.
Memorable Moments
- 1994: Ayrton Senna was eliminated at the first corner of the inaugural Pacific Grand Prix when he was hit from behind, a frustration in what would tragically become his final year. Michael Schumacher dominated for the win.
- 1994: The race underlined Schumacher and Benetton's championship momentum, the German leading on the tight, technical layout from a field that struggled to follow him closely.
- 1995: Schumacher won again, a controlled drive that helped him close in on a second consecutive World Championship in the final running of the Pacific Grand Prix.
Track Character
Okayama is a short, tight and technical circuit with a compact rhythm of slow and medium-speed corners that places a premium on traction, braking stability and chassis balance rather than outright top speed. The narrow track and limited run-off made overtaking difficult, putting a heavy emphasis on qualifying position and clean starts — as Senna's first-lap exit in 1994 illustrated. Tucked into the Okayama hillside, it offered an intimate, demanding test that suited a precise, methodical driver, which is exactly why Schumacher mastered it both times F1 visited.