Autopolis, Motorsport racing track in Ōita Prefecture, Japan
Autopolis is a motorsport circuit in Ōita Prefecture, located on a plateau within Aso Kujū National Park. The track stretches for 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles) through the terrain, combining tight corners with fast straights.
The circuit opened for racing in 1990 after being built with considerable investment. The following year it served as a host venue for the World Sportscar Championship.
Tsurumaki's art collection was meant for a museum at the circuit; it held Picasso's Les Noces de Pierrette, bought for $51.3 million at a Paris auction in 1989, plus works by Magritte, Chagall, Bonnard and Monet. After the 1992 bankruptcy the paintings were seized by creditors and some ended up in public museums. The museum building was later demolished.
The course hosts events such as Super GT, Super Formula in May, Super Taikyu in July, and superbike races throughout the season. The elevation brings shifting weather conditions, so visitors should dress accordingly.
The circuit sits at about 800 metres, where thin air lowers atmospheric pressure much as at Mexico City's circuit. The start-finish straight lies at 820 metres, and the lap drops and then climbs over 50 metres of elevation. Pit lane runs outside the track, so from the pits cars appear to run in the opposite direction to most circuits.
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