Japanese Grand Prix 1994 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Damon Hill claimed a crucial victory at Suzuka, keeping his championship hopes alive going into the season finale at Adelaide. Hill drove brilliantly to overcome pole-sitter Michael Schumacher, taking the lead during the first pit stops and controlling the race thereafter. Schumacher finished second, unable to match Hill's pace in what many considered one of the Englishman's finest drives of the season. Jean Alesi completed the podium for Ferrari with a strong third place at Japan's most demanding circuit.

The victory reduced Schumacher's championship lead to just one point, setting up a winner-takes-all finale in Australia. Hill's performance at Suzuka demonstrated his growing confidence and racecraft, as he outdrove Schumacher in equal machinery for one of the few times all season. The stage was set for a dramatic conclusion to one of Formula 1's most controversial and emotionally charged seasons, with everything to be decided in Adelaide.