2013 Japanese Grand Prix Thursday Snap Shot

Under scorching sun, the F1 teams and drivers were hard at work on Thursday preparing for the race weekend.

(c) Getty Images

Unlike Korea one week earlier, the fans were out in force at the Suzuka circuit to catch a glimpse of their idols. Drivers signed autographs, talked to the media, completed engineer meetings and walked the track as members of their teams got to work preparing the cars for Friday practice. Check out the goings-on from the track below.

For more information on this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix check out my race preview and track guide.

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Vettel talks to the media on what could be a very special weekend for the German. He could take his fourth consecutive F1 world title in Japan.

(c) @DanielRicciardo

Ricciardo takes a cheeky 'selfie' with his engineers on their walk of the track, just before going under the run to 130R.

(c) @McLarenF1

Button doesn't usually change his helmet design, but he has this weekend. He feels that Japan is a second home race for him due to his past connections with Honda and his girlfriend being Japanese.

(c) @McLarenF1

Button is the man of choice for Sky Sports F1 and their Suzuka track guide.

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Vettel hands out signed cars in the fan autograph signing session, greeting the thousands of fans who came to Suzuka to catch a glimpse of the current crop of drivers.

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

The Force India crew, including Paul di Resta and reserve driver James Calado, walk the track on Thursday.

(c) Lotus F1 Team

Raikkonen signs a fans replica crash helmet in the fan signing session, looking as pleased as ever.

(c) @clubforce

Adrian Sutil meets the enthusiastic Japanese fans in the autograph signing session. 

(c) @Lotus_F1Team

Grosjean's track walk takes a little longer than anticipated thanks to the fanatical crowds.

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Mark Webber talks to the media after a very disappointing Korean Grand Prix last weekend. He has a new chassis for this weekend's race.

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The Toro Rosso drivers greet the fans who have travelled to the Suzuka circuit to see them and show their support.

(c) Sahara Force India F1 Team

Paul di Resta talks to Sky Sports News outside the Force India hospitality area. He is hoping to score his first points since the British Grand Prix.

(c) @Lotus_F1Team

The Lotus team complete their track walk and enter the pit lane to resume media duties.

(c) @Marussia_F1Team

Max Chilton talks to the British media ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

(c) @Lotus_F1Team

Kimi Raikkonen chats to the media outside the Lotus hospitality area, hot off the back of his second place finish in Korea.

(c) @McLarenF1

Button talks to some of the media who have travelled to Japan for round 15 of the 2013 season.

(c) @MercedesAMGF1

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg - who looks like he is singing here - are interviewed by the BBC in front of their pit garage.

(c) @McLarenF1

 McLaren wish Murray Walker a very happy 90th birthday by snapping pictures with team members.

(c) @MercedesAMGF1

Spot the driver! Hamilton chats to the media outside the Mercedes hospitality area.

(c) @RedBullRacing

This isn't from Thursday, admittedly, but from Wednesday. Vettel gets some practice in on a state of the art simulator in preparation for this weekend.

(c) @WilliamsF1Team

Pastor Maldonado signs autographs for the fans in the pit lane.

(c) @OfficialSF1Team

Nico Hulkenberg is interviewed by Johnny Herbert at the SkyPad.

(c) @WilliamsF1Team

Pastor Maldonado is joined by Hulkenberg, Vettel, Button, Pic and Vergne in the official FIA driver press conference.

(c) @MercedesAMGF1

That's an interesting hat! The Japanese fans were as enthusiastic as ever at the track on Thursday.