Ahead of Perez

Verstappen sets best time in final Suzuka practice session

Meanwhile, everything is going according to plan for Max Verstappen in Suzuka.(Bild: APA/AFP/Philip FONG)

World champion Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in the final third practice session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. In Suzuka on Saturday, the 26-year-old Dutchman in the Red Bull set a time of 1:29.563 minutes, 0.269 seconds ahead of his team-mate Sergio Pérez from Mexico. Third place went to Britain's George Russell in the Mercedes, 0.355 seconds behind.

On Friday, the wet track had prevented a regular second practice session, but shortly before qualifying on Saturday, dry conditions prevailed again in the sunshine. Ahead of the fourth race of the season on Sunday (7 a.m.), Verstappen leads the championship standings with 51 points, just ahead of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (47) and Pérz (46).

Favorite again
Verstappen did not finish the last race in Australia due to a technical defect, but is once again the big favorite in Japan. He has won the Grand Prix in each of the last two years.