InsideJapan News Network

It has confirmed that next year's Japanese Grand Prix will take place at the country's Suzuka circuit as planned, despite news that Honda is quitting Formula One.

The Japanese car makers decision leaves Formula One drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello without teams to race for next season.

Honda's president Takeo Fukui, a big fan of the sport, said the move came in response to a rapidly deteriorating operating environment.

Mr Fukui commented: "Honda must protect its core business activities and secure them long term as widespread uncertainties in the economics around the globe continue to mount."

He also confirmed that the team could go up for sale.

In November, sales of Japanese cars fell to a low unseen since the 1970s, leaving many in the auto industry reeling.

Bernie Ecclestone, the boss of Formula One, told Sky News that the development was a "wake-up call" to those teams that overspend.