Rosberg glad to be back in the top ten

The Williams driver had not finished a qualifying session in the top ten since the Canadian Grand Prix.

Despite driving at Suzuka for the first time on Friday, Rosberg showed good form today, qualifying four places ahead of teammate Mark Webber.

"It was a good qualifying for us today, and being in the top ten is a good step forward," said Rosberg. "I was third quickest in the first session and then seventh in the second, so we've obviously made some progress with the car, which is a good sign for next year.

"The Bridgestones were working very well today, so a positive outcome in the race tomorrow is within reach."

Australian Webber, who in China scored the team's first point since May, was unhappy with his car's handling.

"Qualifying proved tricky for me as I couldn't quite get the balance that I would have liked," he said. "I think we could have done pretty well in the end but I had a moment at turn five and paid a big price for it.

"It's a shame because the car is obviously quick. I didn't have one of my better qualifying sessions today, but we'll just have to see how it goes tomorrow in the race."