Japanese Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen(Bild: AP)

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez. On Saturday, the Dutchman raced to first place on the grid for the fourth race of the season in Suzuka on Sunday (7.00 am CET/ORF 1, Sky) with a lead of 0.066 seconds over the Mexican. Third place went to British McLaren driver Lando Norris (+0.292) ahead of Melbourne winner Carlos Sainz (+0.485) in the Ferrari.

Verstappen, who retired early at the last Grand Prix in Australia due to a faulty brake, was delighted with the 36th pole position of his career, his fourth this season. Red Bull celebrated the 99th pole in the history of the Austrian-British racing team.

Here is the final result:

Perfect conditions
At the Suzuka International Racing Course, where the premier class races for the first time in April and not in the second half of the season as usual, the conditions were again excellent, unlike the rainy second practice session on Friday. None of the top teams slipped up, with all but Lance Stroll (16th) in the Aston Martin making it through to the third qualifying session with ease.

Here is the championship standings:

Alpine is still in crisis with the two Frenchmen Esteban Ocon (15th) and Pierre Gasly (17th).