Giles Richards's qualifying report from Suzuka
A fourth straight pole position in Suzuka by Max Verstappen and a reminder sent to the rest of the field that, for all the pace of the McLarens this season, he’s still the four-time defending world champion.
Fitted out with a livery paying tribute to Honda, it will be Red Bull that starts from pole tomorrow, with the papaya of Lando Norris’ McLaren alongside. Oscar Piastri will have to make do with starting next to Charles Leclerc on the second row and two rookies in Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar will line up next to George Russell and Lewis Hamilton on the third and fourth rows respectively.
Further back, in his home grand prix and first race for Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda will be looking to storm up the grid from his starting position in 15th but before he can do any of that, he’s going to have to get past the man he replaced in 14th-placed Liam Lawson.
Add to all the chance of a bit of rain – hopefully enough to prevent any more fires breaking out – and it looks like the stage has been set for a cracking GP.
I’ll be back then to take you through all that action and Giles Richards’ report from qualifying will be with you soon but, for now, I’ve been Joey Lynch and it’s goodbye.
