Max Verstappen edged out Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez to claim pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen looked to be cruising towards pole having dominated the first two parts of the session, but an inspired final flying lap from Perez saw the Mexican finish just 0.066s back from his team-mate’s pole time of 1:28.197.
McLaren’s Lando Norris produced a superb lap to take third ahead of Australian Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz for Ferrari, with both clearly outpacing their team-mates as Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc finished sixth and eighth respectively.
Fernando Alonso was fifth for Aston Martin, highlighting the poor performance of his team-mate Lance Stroll, who will start from P16 after making a shock Q1 exit.
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George Russell makes an unsafe release in front of Oscar Piastri in the pit lane during Q1.
Mercedes were once more unable to reproduce promising practice pace as Lewis Hamilton was seventh, with the only consolation for the seven-time world champion being that he outqualified team-mate George Russell for the first time this season.
Yuki Tsunoda thrilled his home crowd by edging out RB team-mate Daniel Ricciardo to reach the final part of qualifying, but was unable to make an impression in Q3 and will start from 10th.
Having seen a nine-race winning streak end as a brake failure caused him to retire in Australia two weeks ago, Verstappen is perfectly placed to get his quest for a fourth successive world championship back on track on Sunday.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Japanese GP schedule
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Look back on some of the most exciting title deciders to take place at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Sunday April 7
5am: Grand Prix Sunday Japanese GP build-up*
6am: The JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
8am: Chequered Flag: Japanese GP reaction*
9am: Ted’s Notebook*
9.30am: Japanese Grand Prix highlights*
10.30am: Japanese Grand Prix replay
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s biggest ever season continues with the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event with lights out at 6am. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
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