There was a dramatic end to qualifying for the 2015 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix earlier today, with Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver Daniil Kvyat crashing in the final stages and the red flag forced to come out. It meant nine remaining drivers were unable to complete their final quick lap as the session was not restarted.
It was a boon for Mercedes AMG’s Nico Rosberg who ended up with pole position, and starting next to him at the front of the grid tomorrow will be fellow Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. The Briton was just a tenth of a second off the pace of his German teammate.
Third on the grid will be Williams’ Valtteri Bottas, and next to him at fourth will be Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. Williams’ other driver Felipe Massa secured fifth, while Ferrari’s other man Kimi Räikkönen had to settle for sixth on the grid.
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo will start at seventh, with Lotus’ Romain Grosjean starting at eighth and Force India’s Sergio Perez at ninth. Despite crashing out, Kvyat was still quick enough earlier in the session to stay in the top ten.
Given the improved performance we’re seeing from Ferrari and Williams, we should be in for a great race tomorrow. And while there was some rain today, tomorrow’s conditions look to be fine.
Going into the race, Hamilton leads the 2015 Drivers’ Championship with 252 points. Rosberg is second with 211 points and Vettel is third with 203 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes leads with 463 points while Ferrari is second with 310 points and Williams third with 198 points.
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