Let's go Safari Bus!

It wouldn’t be Fuji without buses taking to the track during a live practice session and that’s exactly what happened today at Fuji International Speedway as five coaches took to the track to experience the track action in a particularly unique manner.

Whilst running in its own dedicated session and protected by a safety car and waved yellows, the buses are still on track at the same time as the FIA World Endurance Championship contenders with the session taking place immediately before the FP3 practice for the 6 Hours of Fuji.

On the buses can be found a multitude of media and other team guests as the WEC cars blast past at a rapid rate.  

The original circuit safari bus concept was inspired by the nearby Fuji Safari Park, a park inhabited by lions and other wild animals, from which the name "Circuit Safari" and the idea of running buses on a racing course and watching racing cars from the bus was born.

The concept was first implemented by a domestic race promoter in the early 2000s and it has become an established racing event in Japan.

The buses themselves receive no modifications and are standard long-distance vehicles seating around 50 passengers. The drivers deployed are regular bus drivers, albeit having undertaken special circuit driving training.

The regular WEC drivers need not fear their lap times being beaten as the buses are restricted to speeds between 50-60km/h, with a visit to the Stewards in store for any driver temped to go for pole. 

Whilst the FIA World Endurance Championship is currently the only international series to feature Safari Buses, speculation of a FIA World Endurance Championship bus class is thought to be wide of the mark.