Mar.25 (GMM) Kamui Kobayashi's manager is confident the Japanese grand prix will take place as scheduled later this year.

With much of the country in turmoil due to the recent and unfolding earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, it is feared that October's Suzuka race might be in doubt even though the immediate area is not overly affected.

But Sauber driver Kobayashi's manager Yoshinori Arimatsu told Swiss newspaper Blick: "No problem, the race will take place because for the Japanese people it is an honour."

As the opening practice session commenced at Albert Park, it was clear that some teams are running tributes to the Japanese people on their cars.

"If the GPDA or the FIA can help us we really do need it because so many people have no house, no food," said Kobayashi in Melbourne.

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