Max Verstappen gave himself a terrific probability to retain his Formula One world title at Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix after grabbing pole in Suzuka.
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The Red Bull driver topped the timesheets in dry situations with a time of 1:29.304, simply 0.010 forward of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, his nearest championship rival. Carlos Sainz was third in the different Ferrari.
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Verstappen can clinch the title on Sunday if he wins the race with the quickest lap, regardless of what his rivals do.
The Dutchman will additionally retain his crown if he wins and Leclerc is third or decrease.
Showers are forecast for Sunday.
The race is because of begin at 07:00 (SA time).
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Grid for the Japanese Grand Prix, the 18th spherical of the 22-race Formula One world championship, after qualifying on Saturday:
Front row
Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull)
Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari)
2nd row
Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari)
Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull)
third row
Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes)
4th row
Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine)
George Russell (GBR/Mercedes)
fifth row
Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin)
Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren)
sixth row
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren)
Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Alfa Romeo)
seventh row
Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/AlphaTauri)
Zhou Guanyu (CHN/Alfa Romeo)
eighth row
Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas)
Alexander Albon (THA/Williams)
ninth row
Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri)
Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas)
tenth row
Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin)
Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams)
