The Frenchman gambled on getting through Q2 by just using the soft Pirelli tyres, a move that paid off handsomely as he went on to qualify an excellent fifth.
Valtteri Bottas lines up second for the Japanese Grand Prix as he missed out on pole position to his team-mate Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton secured his eightieth pole position in Formula 1 as he qualified fastest in Japan
Lewis Hamilton will start from pole for the Japanese Grand Prix, immediately ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen. Tyre choice errors from Ferrari sees Sebastian Vettel in ninth.
Former Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso helping team develop car for 2019 season during Friday sessions.
Pierre Gasly was handed his second reprimand of 2018 after causing Lewis Hamilton to take evasive action down the escape road at the final chicane in first practice.
Swede Ericsson secured two top 10 finishes in the Friday practice sessions for the Japanese Grand Prix, and was positive about the team’s chances ahead of qualifying.
After finishing seventeenth fastest in the morning session as he got used to the Suzuka circuit, Brendon Hartley ended the day inside the top ten.
Romain Grosjean finished eighth in both practice sessions at Suzuka on Friday and feels he has a strong car this weekend.
Esteban Ocon comfortably had the measure of Racing Point Force India team-mate Sergio Pérez in Friday practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing both sessions in seventh.
Daniel Ricciardo felt there were positive signs to take away from practice at Suzuka on Friday, and he feels Red Bull should be more competitive on Saturday.
The Finn was well adrift of Lewis Hamilton’s fastest times of the day in Japan and knows there is work to be done to be competitive this weekend.
Red Bull have to find improvements ahead of qualifying according to Max Verstappen. The Dutchman finished sixth and fourth in Free Practice 1 and 2 respectively.
Sebastian Vettel knows that Ferrari can improve after an unspectacular Friday at Suzuka, while Mercedes comfortably led the way.
Friday practice flattered Mercedes says Andrew Shovlin after Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas were one-two in both sessions in Suzuka
Valtteri Bottas was second in both practice sessions and is is happy with how Mercedes are looking ahead of this weekend
Lewis Hamilton was flying on Friday in Suzuka as he topped both practice sessions as he looks to extend his championship lead
