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Formula 1 Japanese GP

F1 Japanese GP Live Commentary and Updates - Race day

Minute-by-minute updates for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka

A week after Singapore, Suzuka also returns to the calendar following a three-year absence, where Max Verstappen can claim a second F1 world title if he is 112 points clear of second place in the standings at the chequered flag.

The Red Bull driver starts on pole for Sunday's race, having escaped a penalty after a near-miss with Norris at 130R as both drivers came to prepare for their opening laps in the final stage of qualifying.

He will line up ahead of the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez joining the latter on the second row.

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Yellow flag

01:05

A disaster start for Vettel who has spun at the first corner! Was there contact? He's got going again but dropped to the back of the pack.

Lights out

01:04

Verstappen doesn't quite get the initial getaway of Leclerc, but somehow holds onto the lead! There's a yellow in the background...

01:03

The cars line up, for what will be a tricky start...

01:01

The formation lap begins - and the cars squirm off the line. Lots of spray, like a teenager with a Lynx Africa gift set.

00:59

Tyre news: intermediates for all? The Alpines have a blank disc on the timing screen, which isn't massively helpful, but we'll assume inters...

Rain

00:54

"Risk of rain for the race is 100%." That's a level of certainty and assuredness that I can only dream of...

00:51

Lots of waterproof ponchos out there in the crowd - the home fans are very prepared for this weather. Are you?

Twitter

00:49

00:41

20 minutes to go - no delays like last week, thankfully. The 4am start wasn't in vain...

00:31

Lots of F1 twitter accounts asking where people are watching from - I'm more interested, at this time in the morning, where people AREN'T watching from.

Rain

00:22

Reconnaissance laps to the grid are on inters and wets, just to give you a picture of the weather. And it looks like the rain will continue to fall.

Twitter

00:20

Breaking news

00:09

Gasly's got a pitlane start for this race, having changed rear wing spec and suspension setup after qualifying. He was dumped out in Q1, so doesn't have too much to lose.

00:07

There's reports of rain at Suzuka to add to the mix, which could spice things up. We say could, in reality it's more likely to be an inconvenience given the way things have gone this year...

00:03

Good morning everyone! It's early, it's still dark, and the Japanese Grand Prix is only an hour away. Grab yourself a coffee, as we prepare for the Suzuka fun.

By: autosport.com

Published:

Oct 9, 2022, 5:05 AM