As a result of Hirakawa's appearance at his home grand prix in FP1, the official FIA driver entry list for Japan had 21 stars lined up instead of the usual 20. It was confirmed in an official document that Japanese star Hirakawa would be completing the session with Alpine, before Doohan then stepped back into his car for FP2.

The cherry blossom season has arrived right on time for the Japanese Grand Prix, and fans are eager to fill the stands in their vibrant and colourful costumes. The Formula 1 fans who flock to the Suzuka Circuit each year are often regarded as the most passionate,

What makes it special: The only figure-eight layout in F1, with legendary corners such as the Esses, 130R and the Degners. The Japanese fans are also unlike any others in F1, dressing in homemade costumes and staying late into the night just to watch activity in the garages.