TI Circuit
From WOI Encyclopedia Italia
The Tanaka International Circuit (TI Circuit, Present: Okayama International Circuit) is a 2.301-mile private motorsport race track near Aida (Present: Mimasaka), Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
The course was built in 1992 as a private race track for the wealthy. It soon hosted its first race, staged by veteran British drivers (which explains the circuit's corner names, such as Hobbs and Attwood).
In 1994 and 1995, the TI Circuit hosted the Formula One Pacific Grand Prix; both events were won by Michael Schumacher in his early title-winning years. This race made Japan one of only five countries to ever host more than one Formula One event in the same year. It was discontinued primarily due to the circuit's extremely tight corners, and due to its location in a remote area of Japan.
However, in March, 2003, Tanaka International Company gave up owning the TI Circuit, and the owner was renamed Okayama International Circuit on May 1, 2004. Then, the circuit was renamed after the company, Okayama International Circuit.
Formula One races
| Season | Date | Winning Driver | Winning Team | Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | October 22 | Germany -- Michael Schumacher | Benetton-Renault | Report |
| 1994 | April 17 | Germany -- Michael Schumacher | Benetton-Ford | Report |
