Suzuka, Mie Pref. ¨C The stakes were rising on Saturday at the Japanese Grand Prix, as the 10 teams and 20 drivers vie for the top qualifying positions on Sunday¡¯s starting grid.
For Japan¡¯s Yuki Tsunoda, Saturday might already be a success, as the Kanagawa Prefecture native was confirmed for 2024 with his AlphaTauri team, much to the delight of his home fans.
Here¡¯s a selection of photos from Day 2 in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture.
AlphaTauri¡¯s Yuki Tsunoda in the garage after the final practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix, at Suzuka Circuit on Saturday.
| Dan Orlowitz
Japanese fans are renowned in the motorsports world for their intricate and creative costumes.
| Dan Orlowitz
Tsunoda¡¯s AlphaTauri parked in the team¡¯s garage after the third practice session.
| Dan Orlowitz
Ferrari has always enjoyed strong support among Japanese fans at Suzuka.
| Dan Orlowitz
Tsunoda¡¯s seat for 2024 with the AlphaTauri team was confirmed Saturday morning.
| Dan Orlowitz
Tsunoda gets out of his car following the final practice session ahead of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.
| Dan Orlowitz
Japanese fans arriving at Suzuka Circuit on Saturday were thrilled to hear that the 23-year-old Tsunoda will be back with AlphaTauri next season.
| Dan Orlowitz
Tsunoda prepares to head out for his final stint of the third practice session.
| Dan Orlowitz
The AlphaTauri garage during the third practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix.
| Dan Orlowitz
Tsunoda enjoys strong support at his home race, with many fans going to great lengths to show their passion for the Japanese driver.
| Dan Orlowitz
Many of Yuki Tsunoda¡¯s fans gathered around the second corner at Suzuka Circuit.
| Dan Orlowitz
Ferrari¡¯s Charles Leclerc (third from left) signs autographs in the paddock area on Saturday evening.
| Dan Orlowitz
Yuki Tsunoda races in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday.
| Dan Orlowitz
Yuki Tsunoda signs autographs after Saturday¡¯s qualifying session.
| Dan Orlowitz
Aston Martin¡¯s Lance Stroll competes in qualifying on Saturday.
| Dan Orlowitz
Ferrari¡¯s Charles Leclerc races in qualifying on Saturday.
| Dan Orlowitz
AlphaTauri¡¯s Yuki Tsunoda races in Saturday¡¯s qualifying event.
| Dan Orlowitz
Ferrari fans pose in the fan zone outside Suzuka Circuit.
| Dan Orlowitz
Yuki Tsunoda speaks to TV reporters after Saturday¡¯s qualifying event.
| Dan Orlowitz
McLaren¡¯s Oscar Piastri approaches the final straightaway.
| Dan Orlowitz
Red Bull¡¯s Sergio Perez rounds the second corner at Suzuka Circuit.
| Dan Orlowitz
Saturday¡¯s crowd at Suzuka Circuit experienced sun throughout the afternoon, a rarity at a track that is infamous for its rain.
| Dan Orlowitz
Mexican fans pose outside Suzuka Circuit.
| Dan Orlowitz
Retired Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel waves to fans from the track during a red flag stoppage on Saturday.
| Dan Orlowitz
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