Located in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture, the Okayama International Circuit is a private racing facility in western Japan that briefly hosted Formula One in the mid-1990s. Originally built as TI Circuit Aida, the venue was designed as an exclusive track for wealthy enthusiasts but soon became a professional motorsport venue hosting both national and international championships.
Although its Formula One presence lasted only two seasons, the circuit became notable for hosting the Pacific Grand Prix in 1994 and 1995, both won by Michael Schumacher during his early championship-winning years. Today, the circuit remains active with major Japanese racing series such as Super GT and Super Formula Lights.
See also…
Aida
| First Grand Prix | 1994 Pacific Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 83 |
| Circuit Length | 3.703 km |
| Race Distance | 307.349 km |
| Lap Record | 1:16.374 Michael Schumacher (1994) |
Circuit
When was the TI Circuit-Aida built?
Construction of the circuit began in 1989, and it officially opened on 18 November 1990 under the name TI Circuit Aida. The “TI” stood for Tanaka International, referencing the circuit’s founder, businessman Hajime Tanaka, who originally intended the facility to serve as a private motorsport playground for wealthy car enthusiasts.
The main Grand Prix circuit measures 3.703 kilometres (2.301 miles) and features 13 turns. The layout is relatively narrow compared with many modern circuits and contains a mix of flowing corners and technical braking zones. Unlike many Formula One venues built in later decades, Okayama’s design reflects the traditional style of permanent circuits constructed before the large-scale Tilke-era projects of the 2000s.
Because the circuit lies in a mountainous rural region of Okayama Prefecture, it is somewhat isolated from Japan’s major cities. This remote location would later play a role in its short lifespan as a Formula One venue.
The track was renamed Okayama International Circuit in 2005 after changes in ownership and corporate restructuring. Despite losing its Formula One race, the circuit has remained an important venue for Japanese motorsport.
When was the first Pacific Grand Prix?
The circuit hosted its first Pacific Grand Prix in 1994, becoming the second Formula One race held in Japan alongside the established Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit. This made Japan one of the few countries to host two Formula One races in the same season.
Both Pacific Grand Prix were won by Michael Schumacher, driving for Benetton, during the early phase of his dominant career. The 1994 race formed part of Schumacher’s first championship-winning season.
Despite its success as a racing venue, the Pacific Grand Prix only lasted for two years. The circuit’s remote location made it difficult for large crowds to attend, and logistical challenges eventually led to the race’s discontinuation after 1995.
After Formula One left the venue, Okayama continued to host major Japanese racing series and international events, including the FIA World Touring Car Championship, which visited the track from 2008 to 2010.
Aida Circuit lap record
The official Formula One race lap record at the circuit is 1:14.023, set by Michael Schumacher driving a Benetton B194 during the 1994 Pacific Grand Prix.
An even faster unofficial lap was recorded by Ayrton Senna, who set a time of 1:10.218 during qualifying for the same race while driving the Williams FW16.