( CNN ) -- Formula One team Sauber will feature a message of support for the people of Japan on the livery of their cars at the opening grand prix of the season . The Asian country was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Friday last week with over 5,000 people now confirmed to have died . One of Sauber 's drivers , Kamui Kobayashi , is a native of Japan and was born in the Hyogo prefecture . He and Mexican Sergio Perez 's cars will carry a message in Japanese at the Melbourne Grand Prix in Australia on March 27 that reads 'may our prayers reach the people in Japan . ' Sauber 's team principal Peter Sauber told Formula One 's official website it was important the team did something to demonstrate their support . `` It is difficult to find the right words to express our emotions and feelings , but silence means we ca n't even begin imagine how to try , '' he said . `` We can hardly believe what we are seeing . Our thoughts are with the people in Japan . `` We hope they will have the necessary strength to overcome these circumstances of extreme adversity . ''
Formula One team Sauber to show support for Japan at opening race of the season . McLaren driver Kamui Kobayashi is from Japan . Also to be displayed on the front of team 's cars .