In 2025, Formula 1 drivers will once again visit 24 circuits across all continents, with the exception of Africa. In the ‘Forgotten Circuits’ series, we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting several forgotten Formula 1 circuits. Today, we focus on TI Aida, the asphalt playground for the world’s wealthy.
If you search for Aida on the worldwide web, you’ll primarily find information about the eponymous musical by Elton John and Tim Rice, or the four-act opera by Giuseppe Verdi from 1871. To find the Japanese circuit where two F1 races were held in the 1990s, you’ll need to dig a little deeper. TI Aida was also known as an asphalt playground for the world’s wealthy.
The current Okayama International Circuit was opened in November 1990 as the Tanaka International Circuit Aida. Tanaka was the name of the affluent owner, Hajime Tanaka, and Aida is a nearby city. The name was changed in 2005.
Tanaka, a golf magnate and racing enthusiast (since a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans), initially intended the circuit to be a playground for his wealthy associates and customers, where they could indulge in their expensive sports cars. The price tag for a lifetime membership to his exclusive club was initially around 120,000 euros.
Access to the Bugatti Bar in Tokyo
For a substantial sum, members not only gained access to TI Aida but also a range of other privileges, including an additional membership to the Bugatti Bar, an exclusive private club in Tokyo. Tanake received financial support from several major Japanese investors, including Toyota and Nissan, in the realization of his plans.
TI Aida was a hilly track featuring a variety of elements, including an S-curve (the Moss S, named after Stirling Moss) at the start and a long hairpin bend at the end.
Twice – in 1994 and 1995 – a Formula 1 race was held, the Pacific Grand Prix. Both races were won by Michael Schumacher. In the latter race, the German secured the world championship. A third F1 race at TI Aida did not materialize. From then on, Japanese racing fans had to make do with Fuji (in 2007 and 2008) and the annual Suzuka race.
After the F1 races, the TI Aida circuit largely returned to its previous function: a playground for the wealthy. It wasn’t until 2008 that a World Championship race was held again in an official FIA championship, specifically in the WTCC. None other than Tom Coronel won the second race of the weekend. The WTCC also later moved to Suzuka.
TI Aida Circuit
