Suzuka offers the perfect blend of bonkers fans and a daunting circuit, and that's a recipe for a weekend packed with action and drama.

Before the proceedings kick off tomorrow, the energized Japanese fans had a day to warm up.

Here is our gallery from Thursday's colorful build-up from Suzuka.

Scuderia Ferrari 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari SF71H and Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari SF71H. Ferrari and Phillip Morris launch Mission Minnow and a new logo. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari SF71H and Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari SF71H. Ferrari and Phillip Morris launch Mission Minnow and a new logo. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Scuderia Ferrari 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Fan of Fernando Alonso (ESP) McLaren F1 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Renault F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Red Bull Racing 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Racing Point Force India F1 Team fans. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Fans. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Marcus Ericsson (SWE) Sauber F1 Team walks the circuit with the team. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Renault Sport F1 Team fans. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Scuderia Toro Rosso fans. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Scuderia Toro Rosso fans. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Racing Point Force India F1 Team fans. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Red Bull Racing fans. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Racing Point Force India F1 Team. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Renault Sport F1 Team. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Photo4 / XPB Imagesmore
A young Renault Sport F1 Team fan in the paddock. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Photo4 / XPB Imagesmore
A young Renault Sport F1 Team fan in the paddock. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Photo4 / XPB Imagesmore
Young Renault Sport F1 Team fans in the paddock. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Photo4 / XPB Imagesmore
Track atmosphere 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Pitlane atmosphere 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Safety Car 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Renault F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Fans and atmosphere. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Red Bull Racing fans. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Ferrari fan. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Franz Tost (AUT) Scuderia Toro Rosso Team Principal. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Robert Kubica (POL) Williams Reserve and Development Driver. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Ferrari SF71H rear wing. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL) McLaren F1 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Scuderia Ferrari 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Lance Stroll (CDN) Williams F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Scuderia Ferrari,Esteban Ocon (FRA) Force India F1 and Lance Stroll (CDN) Williams F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Lance Stroll (CDN) Williams F1 Team and Esteban Ocon (FRA) Force India F1 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Force India F1 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Maurizio Arrivabene (ITA) Ferrari Team Principal. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Photo4 / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Esteban Ocon (FRA) Racing Point Force India F1 Team with Lance Stroll (CDN) Williams. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Photo4 / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL) McLaren with Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari in the FIA Press Conference. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Photo4 / XPB Imagesmore
The FIA Press Conference (L to R): Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL) McLaren; Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari; Esteban Ocon (FRA) Racing Point Force India F1 Team; Lance Stroll (CDN) Williams. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Photo4 / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Racing Point Force India F1 Team. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Racing Point Force India F1 Team. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Giuliano Alesi (ITA) Trident GP3 Driver / Ferrari Academy Driver. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Renault F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas F1 Team and Romain Grosjean (FRA) Haas F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Renault Sport F1 Team 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) McLaren. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren Test Driver. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren Test Driver. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull Racing. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull Racing. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
A young Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari fan. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing with team mate Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull Racing. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) McLaren. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Mercedes AMG F1. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Lance Stroll (CDN) Williams. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Sergio Perez (MEX) Racing Point Force India F1 Team with Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari. 04.10.2018. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan, Preparation Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com - copy of publication required for printed pictures. Every used picture is fee-liable. © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore

 

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

3 hours ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

4 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

6 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

7 hours ago

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

8 hours ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

9 hours ago