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*Marked J, L, M, N,O, P on the circuit map*
As a general admission ticketholder, you have access to a TON of viewpoints around the circuit. These tickets DO NOT have reserved seating and there isn’t shade or coverings to protect you from the sun or the rain. That being said, the GA seating sections around the Suzuka circuit may be some of the best GA sections for fans out of all the circuits on the F1 calendar (in our humble opinion). The areas are broken down into different sections J, L, M, N, O, and P on the map, making it easy for race goers to locate the different areas they can sit or stand in. Fans are allowed to bring in foldable chairs or seat cushions into the circuit which will make the experience much more enjoyable. There are also different food stands and vendors near most of the GA sections for racegoers to enjoy mid-session refreshments.
The West Area is another GA seating option for fans at Suzuka. The West Fan Zone is situated in the Spoon Curve L area, which has a great view of the track without the obstruction of fences or barricades. Like many of the other GA sections, there is no reserved seating, it is based on a first come first serve basis. A unique perk of the West Area zone is that there are make-shift bleachers for fans to have a more comfortable seat. It is recommended that racegoers bring foldable chairs or purchase a seating cushion to ensure a more comfortable race experience. In the Spoon Curve area, there are a handful of different food vendors where fans can purchase refreshments during the sessions. Despite there not being a big screen, there are speakers projecting the race commentary in this section, so that fans can get a sense of the action happening in other parts of the track. Keep in mind that the commentary is in Japanese.
The Ferris Wheel is one of the most iconic activities for fans at Suzuka. It is free for all ticket holders and offers 360 views of the entire track. There are two different lines that fans can wait in, the driver covered cars and the non-decorated cars. The driver decorated cars line is much longer and not worth it if you are looking to ride the ferris wheel quickly between sessions. Once you are actually in the car, you can’t even see the driver decoration on the outside. I would recommend waiting in the non-decorated line because the line moves much quicker and you can still capture a picture of the outside of the ferris wheel cars as you wait in line!
Line times vary depending on the time of day and as well as the session times. Friday is the best day to go up, as the lines are significantly shorter due to the amount of people at the circuit. If you can, it is very fun to try and time riding the ferris wheel with sessions happening on track because the view from above is amazing!
The V1 (lower) and V2 (upper) grandstands are located on the start-finish straight. The tickets for these grandstands allow fans a view of the main straight, the starting grid, and finish line as well as into the pitlane where they can see their favorite teams’ garages and maybe even get a peak of a driver or two! The seats are numbered by row and section, so be sure to check your ticket to make sure you are in the right seat. Another perk of sitting in the V1 or V2 grandstand is that there is a clear view of the podium. It is situated closer to the pit entrance (V1/V2 sections L-U will have better views of the podium in comparison to fans sitting in the sections closer to the pit exit) and fans will be able to see parc ferme as well as the post race interviews with the top three drivers. There are three large screens situated across from the main straight, making it easy for fans to get a sense of the action happening in other parts of the track. There are also speakers projecting the race commentary, but keep in mind it is all in Japanese!
The V1 grandstand is located in the same ‘grandstand’ as the V2 section but it is situated lower and closer to the track. The views from this section let fans have a closer view of the action yet they are fully exposed to the elements, as there is no coverage from rain or the sun. Note that because you are seated closer to the track, you are closer to the fencing which doesn’t necessarily obstruct any views but it is more noticeable than if you choose to sit in the V2 section.
The V2 section of the grandstand has a view from higher up which allows fans to experience the full atmosphere of the race - from being able to see other fans in their seats to getting a view entirely free of obstruction. If you choose a seat in the upper ten rows near the top of the grandstand, you are guaranteed cover from the elements. The full V2 grandstand isn’t covered, so if this is something that you want to prioritize, choose a seat near the top/back.
The A Grandstand is designed similarly to the V Grandstand - the A2 section is slightly further and higher up than the A1 section. The Grandstands are located at the end of the start / finish straight and the entrance of the first curve, allowing fans to get a great view of the race start as well as the cars decelerating to make Turn 1. The A Grandstand is covered, which provides a great experience for all A Grandstand ticket holders, rain or shine! There is also a screen located across from the grandstand, giving fans a clear idea of the other action happening throughout the circuit.
The B1 & B2 Grandstands are designed similarly to the A Grandstand and the V Grandstand, with one behind the other. The B Grandstand has an amazing view of the first corner, where they will get to witness the cars slowing down after a quick acceleration for the race start. This corner is also known to be fairly iconic and is known to be a section where drivers tend to collide. The B Grandstand doesn’t have any coverage at any part of the grandstand, so fans should make sure they come prepared for all weather conditions. Like the A and V Grandstand, the B1 section of the grandstand is situated lower and closer to the track which provides a clear view of the action, but it is closer to the fencing and barricades, providing a slight obstruction. The B2 section of the grandstand is higher up, providing an incredible view of the track, free of obstruction. Fans can see the C Grandstand as well as the A Grandstand, adding to the atmosphere at the circuit.
The C Grandstand has amazing views of the exit of the first corner and the straight leading into Turn 2. Fans can also get a view of the Asura S Corner, which is one of the most technically challenging sections on the circuit. The C Grandstand has two large screens making it easy for attendees to get an understanding of the action happening on track in other sections. The speakers are loud and clearly project the commentary to help fans understand what is happening throughout the race. There are no covered seats in this section, so fans should come prepared for all weather types to ensure a comfortable race! Although there are seats, it is advised that fans also bring a seat cushion for a more enjoyable race weekend. There are toilets located behind the grandstand, as well as different food vendors close by for a mid-session snack.
The D grandstands are located right at the beginning of the ‘S’ curves. The smaller of the four grandstands (4 & 5) have giant screens to ensure fans are able to enjoy the action happening in other parts of the circuit. The larger grandstand sections (1 & 2) do not have large screens, but with a larger grandstand, fans are able to enjoy the atmosphere of the race as well as having clear views of the ‘S’ curve section. There is numbered seating which eliminates the stress of trying to locate a seat early in the day.
The E Grandstand is located slightly further down the ‘S’ curve section of the track, offering fans a great view of the end of that section. There are two big screens across from the stands, allowing fans insight into the action happening in other parts of the track. The seats are numbered, and like many of other grandstands, it is recommended that fans bring a seat cushion to maximize their comfort during the race weekend.
The G Stand has three different sections available for fans to choose from, all with similar views of Turn 15, called 130R. There is the G stand (130R side) which has permanent seats. This means that with the purchase of a G Stand ticket, fans automatically buy a reserved seat for the weekend. There is the G-1 section (Chicane Side) and this has temporary seats. Like many of the GA sections, the seats are on a first come first serve basis. It is recommended that you arrive early to ‘reserve’ your spot for the sessions and ensure an ideal view for the weekend. These seats are not as comfortable so fans should bring seat cushions or foldable chairs to enhance the experience. There is a large screen opposite the grandstand which keeps fans informed of what is happening elsewhere on the track. Keep in mind that there is no coverage from the elements, so be sure to come prepared rain or shine!
The H Grandstand is located in between Grandstand G and I, providing a great view of the NISSIN hairpin. Fans in this section will see drivers entering the hairpin and adjusting their high speeds to accommodate the slower corner. There are no screens in this section so fans must be aware that it is more difficult to know what is going on in other parts of the track. There are however, loud speakers which project the race commentary. Keep in mind that the race commentary is in Japanese.
The I Grandstand gives fans a great view of the entry and exit of the NISSIN hairpin. They will get to see the cars in action, displaying their high and low speed capabilities. There is no coverage for this grandstand, so fans should be prepared for all weather types. There is a screen across from the I Grandstand but it is fairly far away. At many of the merch stands around the circuit, fans are able to purchase mini binoculars to enhance their experience. The seats are situated high up which prevents any obstruction of fencing or barricades for a clear view of the cars.
The Q Grandstand offers fans a great view of the final chicane, the Hitachi Astemo Chicane and overlooks the pit lane entrance which allows fans an insight into the strategy teams are opting for during the race.
The Q1 Grandstand is slightly lower in comparison to the Q2 grandstand. Although fans have the same view as Q2, they are closer to the fencing and barricades which provide a slight obstruction of view. Because they are lower, it is harder to see onto the main straight and into the pit lane entry, but the view of the Hitachi Astemo chicane is very good. There is a screen as well, allowing fans to have a better understanding of what is happening in other parts of the circuit.
The Q2 Grandstand is situated high above the ciruit which provides amazing views of the circuit into the final straight. There is a screen across from the grandstand, allowing fans to keep up with the action happening in other areas of the track. The grandstand is not covered, so fans must come prepared for all weather conditions.
The R Grandstand is situated just outside of the final corner and is the perfect spot for fans to witness the start and final stages of a lap. This grandstand has the best spot to see the winning driver take the checkered flag at the end of the race. There is a screen across from the grandstand which provides a clear overview of what is happening at other parts of the circuit. This grandstand isn’t covered, so race goers need to be prepared for all weather conditions.
If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, the R Box is a great option! Situated right behind the R Grandstand, the R Box offers fans a more luxurious, but still affordable option to view the rce. There is a table and chairs in each of the boxes, providing a more comfortable set up for fans to see the pit lane entrance as well as the cars flying into the main straight. There is a screen situated across from the boxes, allowing fans to know what is happening on track at all times. Another perk to this seating option is that it is covered from the elements so fans won’t have to worry whether it is rain or shine!
The S Grandstand is located right beside the exit of the final corner leading onto the main straight. This is an amazing view for fans to witness the final stages of a lap as well as see the winning driver take the checkered flag. Once the race concludes, the S grandstand also offers great views of the podium celebration. There is a screen located across from the grandstand which provides insight into what is happening throughout the rest of the circuit. This grandstand isn’t covered, so fans should be prepared for all weather conditions.
We hope this guide was helpful!
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Be sure to check out our other Japanese Grand Prix articles to ensure you maximize your trip to Suzuka!
