Sauber will carry a message for those affected by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami when they visit Suzuka for this year’s race.
“May our prayers reach the people in Japan” will appear on the side of the C30 during the race weekend.
Over 15,000 people lost their lives in March this year and more than 4,000 remain missing.
Kamui Kobayashi, the only Japanese driver in F1, has invited a group of children from one of the regions affected by the disaster to the race weekend.
They are members of the MJC Ensemble, a girls’ choir group who mainly perform in Minami-Soma city in Fukushima Prefecture.
Kobayashi said: “I hope the children from Minami-Soma have an enjoyable weekend. I will make sure they are well looked after in terms of their travel, accommodation etc.
“I will be proud of them and their heartbreaking singing, telling the world how deeply grateful and robust Japan is.”
2011 Japanese Grand Prix
Image © Sauber F1 Team
Sush Meerkat
13th September 2011, 10:04
No guys I’m not crying, my eyeballs are sweating, yeah that’s it sweating.
BasCB (@bascb)
13th September 2011, 20:25
A sad story, isn’t it :-(
wasiF1 (@wasif1)
14th September 2011, 2:21
Very sad & the worst part was when people were struggling to run away from it we were watching it live on television.Hope my prayers are also with them.
BasCB (@bascb)
14th September 2011, 11:52
Yes, that always is an awkward moment when one fully realises what is going on and is watching it as much for entertainment as for its news value.
alexf1man
13th September 2011, 10:08
I hope the other teams follow suit. But this was the most obvious option, having a Japanese driver.
unocv12
13th September 2011, 13:27
Props for Kamui Kobayashi and Sauber for this.
Getting people involved, bringing them along, supporting with a message on the car.
Great stuff and feels genuine which in F1 or sport anywhere is rather rare
BasCB (@bascb)
13th September 2011, 20:26
Its really nice to see Kamui and Sauber do this. Lets hope the whole grid embraces it as well.
MinusTwo
13th September 2011, 13:46
Good for them. One more reason to cheer for Kobayashi.
Fixy (@)
13th September 2011, 17:38
I hope he can repeat last year’s performance.
R7
13th September 2011, 14:42
Didn’t Jenson Button have “Support Japan” on his helmet both in English and in Japanese?
bosyber
13th September 2011, 15:03
Given his girlfriends seems to be involved in some aid/support things for the Earthquake victims, I expect him to also do something, maybe get McLaren on board too?
PEW
13th September 2011, 19:46
Nice gesture
R7
13th September 2011, 20:26
Couldn’t find an image of the real helmet but here’s one from a game mod: http://www.rfactorcentral.com/skins/screenshots/lge/16-Apr-11-8655-Button_2011.jpg
Lucas Alexander Munro
13th September 2011, 21:10
I really want Kamui to grab good points, or even a podium in Suzuka. I loved last years race with Kamui’s overtaking, he is perhaps the second Hamilton. Since the hairpin was Kamui’s favourite overtaking spot, maybe that should be renamed the “Kobayashi Hairpin”.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
14th September 2011, 8:23
A couple of wonderful gestures from Kamui, good lad.