In pictures: Race day at the Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka, Mie Pref. –
It's race day in Japan as tens of thousands of fans descend upon Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture to cheer on their favorite teams and drivers.
Home hero Yuki Tsunoda will command much of the attention for local fans as he looks to turn a ninth place finish in qualifying into points on Sunday.
Further up the grid, Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez can secure the team's second consecutive constructors' title in their Honda-powered cars. Verstappen is on pole after a storming qualifying lap Saturday while Perez starts fifth.
Here are some photos from The Japan Times as the pinnacle of motorsport roars into Japan.
Formula One fans get set to cheer on their favorite teams and drivers ahead of the race. | Dan Orlowitz
Fans steam into the main gates at Suzuka Circuit ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. | Dan Orlowitz
Japanese Formula One fans are known for their elaborate costumes. | Dan Orlowitz
Fans display the origami hats they crafted for the Japanese Grand Prix | Dan Orlowitz
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton ahead of Sunday's race | Dan Orlowitz
McLaren's Lando Norris during the drivers' parade ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. | Dan Orlowitz
Tsunoda waves to the crowd ahead of the race. | Dan Orlowitz
AlphaTauri's Tsunoda races at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix. | Dan Orlowitz
Fans of Tsunoda ahead of the start of the race. | Dan Orlowitz
Formula One fans pose for photos ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture. | Dan Orlowitz
Former Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel takes in the action on Sunday. | Dan Orlowitz
Formula One cars race around Suzuka Circuit at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix. | Dan Orlowitz
