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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