Summary

  • Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli takes pole for Japanese Grand Prix

  • Russell second, Piastri third and Leclerc fourth

  • Norris fifth and Hamilton sixth

  • Max Verstappen to start 11th after being knocked out in Q2

  • Haas' Oliver Bearman out in Q1

  • Select audio icon tab for Sports Extra commentary (UK only)

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Live Reporting

Lorraine McKenna

  1. Norris' car 'extremely unlikely' to make FP3

    NorrisGetty Images

    Lando Norris' side of the garage is busy working on the world champion's car and McLaren have sent this message: "The team have identified an issue with the ERS pack on Lando's car, which now needs to be replaced.

    "At the moment, it looks extremely unlikely that the car will make FP3, but the team are still working to prepare the car should it be possible to participate in the session."

  2. Listen to live commentary

    BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    Welcome to W Series race winner Alice Powell, who is joining Jennie Gow, Harry Benjamin and F1 correspondent Andrew Benson for the rest of the weekend.

    Click the 'listen live' tab at the top of this page, ask your smart speaker to "play BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra" or tune in via the BBC Sounds app if you're already heading out the door at this early hour.

  3. Russell surprised by McLaren pace

    George Russell us filmed as he walks into the paddockGetty Images

    George Russell said Mercedes had a little bit of work to do to improve the pace of the car after Friday's running. "McLaren were pretty fast," said Russell, "so a little bit of a surprise, to be honest."

    Meanwhile, world champion Lando Norris said it was "a pretty bad day" on his side of the gagrage. "Not the way you want things to go at the minute. especially because you're just learning what you can still do and I'm lacking a lot of laps," he said. "Not the best start."

  4. Piastri tops Friday practice

    Oscar PiastriGetty Images

    The main objective for Oscar Piastri is to just line up on the grid this weekend, so beating the two Mercedes, even if it was only practice, was an added bonus for McLaren.

    Australian Piastri was 0.092 seconds quicker than China race winner Kimi Antonelli, who is looking to secure consecutive F1 victories this weekend for the first time in his career. Championship leader George Russell was two tenths off Piastri's marker, while reigning title holder Lando Norris had a disrupted session and ended his hour in fourth.

    Charles Leclerc was ahead of Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who complained he was "slow because I've got no confidence in the car". Leclerc also had a few moments during his laps, running off the track at Spoon Curve and struggling with the car through the Esses.

  5. Japan: Qualifying

    Lorraine McKenna
    BBC Sport Journalist

    Fans of Lando Norris in the fanzone in JapanGetty Images

    Hello, folks. It's another early start for us as teams and drivers get one more dress rehearsal before the all-important qualifying session later on at the iconic Suzuka circuit.

    McLaren's Oscar Piastri has started his weekend on a much more positive note after the back-to-back disappointments of his home race in Australia and the Chinese Grand Prix last time out. The Australian topped the timesheets ahead of the two Mercedes and his world champion team-mate Lando Norris on Friday.

    The green light for third practice is at 02:30 GMT and then we'll see who grabs pole for the Japanese Grand Prix when Q1 gets under way at 06:00.