( CNN ) -- Formula One 's big-name drivers have spoken of their desire to put on a sporting spectacle which Japan 's motorsport fans can enjoy , as the country continues to recover from their devastating earthquake earlier this year . Japan was hit by a catastrophic quake and tsunami in March which left 27,000 people dead or missing , and F1 's drivers have been telling of their continued support for the nation ahead of Sunday 's race at Suzuka . Red Bull 's Sebastian Vettel will seal a second consecutive world championship if he finishes higher than 10th in the race and the German expressed his admiration for the Japanese people . `` The fans in Japan are special , '' Vettel , who has won the last two grands prix in Japan , told Formula One 's official website . `` What they have been through in recent times is something I can not begin to imagine , but they are so impressive . F1 title race : Vettel on the brink . `` They are extremely patient and always polite and friendly and their stamina is amazing . I hope we can put on a good show for them this weekend . '' McLaren 's Jenson Button is the only other driver who can still mathematically overhaul Vettel and the 2009 title winner spoke of his fondness for Japan , saying the Asian country is a home away from home . `` I consider Japan my second home , '' Button , 31 , said . `` It 's a place that 's very close to my heart , and , obviously , it 's going to be a very emotional experience for me to be racing in Japan for the first time since the events of last March . `` I 'm very proud that the Formula One world championship will put Japan on the world 's sporting stage this weekend : while the country is still collectively rebuilding itself . `` I hope we can put on a great race to bring further strength to the people of Japan . And to everyone in Japan , I say : 'Ganbatte ! [ Japanese for good luck ] ' '' Button 's fellow-Briton and teammate Lewis Hamilton , a world champion in 2008 , praised the Suzuka circuit and described it as one of his favorite Formula One destinations . `` The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the highlights of my season , '' Hamilton , 26 , said . `` I think Suzuka will play to my strengths : it 's a track that really requires you to drive in an attacking way to be able to get a good lap time . `` It 's an uncompromising place . But that 's when the thrill of driving a Formula One car is at its highest . '' Kamui Kobayashi will be the sole Japanese racer on the grid this weekend , with the Sauber driver excited by the prospect of competing in front of his home crowd . `` I am very proud of Suzuka as this is one of the really great circuits , '' the 25-year-old said . `` It is always really enjoyable to drive here as well . Racing here is always great and really thanks to the many fans as they are always waiting for Formula One . ''
F1 's drivers have expressed their support for Japan in the wake of March quake . Sebastian Vettel said the fans in Japan are special as he looks to seal world title . McLaren 's Jenson Button referred to Japan as a second home . Comment: