Matsuda became only the second Japanese driver to make the 33-car field by qualifying here Saturday.

Several Japanese drivers entered the event, as well.

Japanese drivers often watch television even while a car is in motion.

It is the expletive a Japanese driver might yell out the window when another car suddenly cuts in front of his.

The Japanese driver pitted at the end of the lap for a new wing.

The new models have also struck a chord with Japanese drivers.

Nakajima rounded off the points in sixth place, which meant he was the first Japanese driver to score a world championship point.

He finished 7th in the race, the second best finishing position for a Japanese driver in the history of the race.

The Japanese driver was later pronounced fit to race.

But Japanese drivers have not been clamoring for the opportunity to fill their own tanks.