Suzuka to host next three Japanese GPs

Suzuka will host the next three consecutive Japanese grand prix, the owners of the circuit announced in a statement on Sunday.

They had met at Valencia with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, to discuss how to move forward following the withdrawal from the calendar of the Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway.

Previously, Suzuka - to host this year's Japanese GP - was scheduled to only annually alternate the race hosting rights with Fuji.

But in a statement, it was confirmed that Suzuka will now host the event also in 2010 and 2011.

"We are delighted that the Suzuka circuit will now safeguard one of our most important national sporting events by playing host to the Japanese grand prix for the next three years," said Mobilityland Corporation president Hiroshi Oshima.