Provisional starting grid GP Japan | Pole for Verstappen at second match point

Max Verstappen achieved his fifth pole position of the 2022 Formula 1 season in Japan. It may well prove crucial, as the Dutchman is on his second match point and could potentially clinch his second world title on Sunday. To do so, however, he will have to hold off the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

Verstappen grabbed pole, but there was hardly any margin: just half a tenth separated the entire top three. Given the changing conditions, little is known about the drivers' race pace, but Red Bull Racing has excelled on Sunday all season. Whether that will also be the case at the Japanese Grand Prix will partly depend on the weather, as Friday's wet conditions caused some surprises in the timesheets.

Verstappen will have to fend off attacks from both Ferrari drivers, but in that, his teammate Sergio Perez will also have an important role to play. The Mexican starts from P4 and will be keen to make things difficult for the Ferraris. What Mercedes can do from P6 and P8 will possibly also depend on the weather, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell still setting the tone at the wet Suzuka Circuit on Friday.