Red Bull's Max Verstappen starts from the front when the F1 race at the venerable Suzuka circuit in Japan is decided.
He and the other drivers can, however, prepare themselves for challenging conditions. The weather forecast shows rain during the morning, something that may persist during the afternoon's race.
Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton is, however, ready:
I'm looking forward to it, to be honest I like rain. It's going to be tough, but when you've had a qualifying like I did, you hope for rain, he says.
Hamilton, who failed in qualifying, only had the eighth best time. Behind Verstappen, who now starts from pole position for the fourth year in a row, is instead the Brit Lando Norris (McLaren).
In the second row, we find Australian Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), this after Friday's training was interrupted on several occasions due to sparks from the cars causing minor grass fires. Moreover, wind conditions have caused problems for all drivers.
Sunday's race is the third of the season.
