Designed as a Honda test track in 1962 by John Hugenholtz , Suzuka is one of few circuits in the world to have a figure 8 layout . Designed as a Honda test track in 1962 by John Hugenholtz , Suzuka is one of few circuits in the world to have a `` figure 8 '' layout , with the back straight passing over the front section by means of an overpass .