Downpour of success and disappointment. A look at the first Japanese Grand Prix, which took place at Fuji Speedway in 1976 and a further three occasions before the race shifted to Suzuka in 1987, where it has remained to this day.
No maiden Grand Prix had such a dramatic appearance on the Formula 1 calendar as the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway. The final chapter of the legendary feud between Niki Lauda (Ferrari) and James Hunt (McLaren) for that year's title.
The track opened in December 1965. Jim Clark was invited to take part in a Formula Three race. In October 1966, Fuji 200 was held for Indy cars, Jackie Stewart was the winner with Albuquerque’s finest Bobby Unser second.
By the early 1970s Japanese motor industry was beginning to make an impact in the global market. It was only a matter of time before the globe trotting Formula 1 circus arrived in Japan.
That moment came on October 24, 1976, as the season finale. Lauda’s hopes of a second successive championship had almost crashed out in flames during the German Grand Prix.
Lauda, Ferrari's first F1 world champion since John Surtees in 1964, had started the '76 season on a high note. He was on the podium in the first seven races, winning four of them. On the other hand, his Playboy friend and fierce rival on the track James Hunt had four DNFs and one controversial win, the Spanish Grand Prix.
Lauda, after a remarkable recovery had scored points in his comeback race at Monza by finishing fourth. When the championship contenders arrived in Japan for the season finale Lauda still had a three-point lead over the McLaren driver.
Heavy rainfall around Mount Fujiyama delayed the start of the race by several hours. The show must go on, in Bernie speak, “we have commercial contracts.”
Mario Andretti started from pole position and took victory driving a Lotus; his first win since his maiden F1 win in South Africa, 1971. On the second lap of the race, he came into the pits because of dangerous track conditions, saying: “my life is worth more than a title.”
James Hunt was third man on the podium and was pleasantly surprised when told by the team he was the new world champion. As expected, he celebrated championship glory with a party like there was no tomorrow.
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