Japanese Grand Prix: Car hats, Ferrari Samurais and Geishas

Horse head hats, Ferrari Samurais and Geishas - it can only be the Japanese Grand Prix.

Few fans are as colourful and creative when it comes to Formula 1 than those who descend on Suzuka.

McLaren's Fernando Alonso describes them as "one of a kind", while Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton says they are some of the most welcoming in the sport.

Here are some of the best pictures of Japan's fantastic fans at Suzuka this weekend...

These children were backing the Williams team

Three-time world champion Ayrton Senna remains hugely popular in Japan, more than 20 years since his death

The Red Bull team also had their backers

It's not just the F1 cars that cause excitement - one fan turned up on race day with a safety car on their hat

There was an Ayrton Senna racesuit on show

This Star Wars-inspired poster was created as a gift to the Mercedes team after they rebounded from a poor race in Singapore last week

The marshals at the Suzuka circuit like to dress up every year

Come rain or shine, fans arrive at Suzuka from Friday wearing all sorts of outlandish outfits

McLaren-Honda may be having a miserable time on the track, but they still have plenty of loyal supporters

There has not always been something to smile about on the circuit for Fernando Alonso this season, but even he cannot help but get carried away by the fans' enthusiasm

Move over selfie sticks? Daniel Ricciardo is not one to shy away from the chance to pose with the fans and here he is wearing a hat featuring a mock-up of the onboard cameras on F1 cars

David Coulthard, seen here with a fan dressed as a Geisha, still receives gifts whenever he is at Suzuka