Mixed emotions as Suzuka era ends

Even though the future Ferrari driver won last year's Japanese Grand Prix for McLaren, he has never been a fan of the Honda-owned circuit.

"I won last year but I don't feel I have had very good races here. I think it's nice to go somewhere else," the Finn said after qualifying 11th on Saturday.

Team boss Ron Dennis agreed entirely.

"For me this is not a circuit that has, in any shape or form, improved its facilities over the times that we have been here," he told reporters.

"The hotel rooms all smell. It's a common thing and it's as if nobody has been in the hotel for months... everybody is pummelled when their circuits don't improve and in life if you want to hold on to something you have to work at it.

"They should have done more."

Raikkonen is, however, in a minority. The prevailing view, at least among drivers, is that Suzuka will be missed as one of Formula One's great racing circuits.

"Thank you Suzuka. Thank you memories. Have a good race," a banner opposite the pits proclaimed.

"Suzuka is without doubt my favorite track that we race on in Formula One," said McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa. "It is unique."

Honda's Jenson Button seconded that: "I love this place. It's Honda's home circuit and I am very disappointed to see it go. The racing over the last few years has been fantastic."

Suzuka was built in 1962 as a Honda test track, with a downhill finishing straight and a figure-of-eight design. Ferrari's Michael Schumacher has won six of the 19 Grands Prix held there.

"I am having so much fun," he said after qualifying second on Saturday.

While Suzuka will be absent next year, talks are under way to try and have a Pacific Grand Prix at the circuit in 2008. Failing that, some would like to see it return in 2012.

"I understand Suzuka is still in discussions with (Formula One supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone)," Honda boss Yasuhiro Wada told reporters on Friday.

"Maybe we can come back to Suzuka in 2012 or maybe a second race in Japan or maybe Fuji-Suzuka-Fuji-Suzuka - that might be good. I wouldn't say goodbye to Suzuka."

Compared to Toyota-owned Fuji, Suzuka is showing its age and safety has also been a concern.

The renowned 130R corner was modified to make it safer in 2002, but in the first MotoGP race of 2003 Japanese rider Daijiro Kato, who regarded Suzuka as his home circuit, was killed at the revised section.

MotoGP has not returned to Suzuka since. However, the circuit is not being put into mothballs.

"We have some kind of race here nearly every week," Suzuka Circuit Public Relations Manager Norihide Kuroda explained.

Events include the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Race for motorbikes, two stages of the Japan Motorcycling Championship, three Formula Nippon races and two Super GT events.