Rain forecast adds new element to combustible Japanese GP

Rain is forecast in the morning and could continue into the early afternoon race itself, presenting a new challenge after the elements disrupted practice and qualifying. Sparks from the cars ignited dry grass around the track and forced the action to stop on five separate occasions over Friday and Saturday. Wind was also a factor, although conditions have stayed dry so far this week. Red Bull's four-time world champion Max Verstappen will start from pole ahead of championship leader Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.