Hamilton claims the pole for the Japanese Grand Prix, Vettel ninth
Hamilton claims the pole for the Japanese Grand Prix, Vettel ninth
.SUZUKA, Japan (AP). Championship leader Lewis Hamilton won the pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday, leading a 1-2 finish for Mercedes and taking another step to secure his fifth Formula One title.
With the threat of rain, Hamilton recorded a lap of 1 minute, 27.760 seconds to lead his teammate Valtteri Bottas by 0.299. The Red Bull Max driver Verstappen was third.
Mercedes read the weather perfectly, making sure both drivers recorded their best laps at the beginning of the third part of the qualifying, before the rain increased to secure their fifth consecutive two at Suzuka.
"The call we made to get out in Q3, which is probably the most difficult call," said Hamilton. "He saw us all clumsily and trying to figure out what to do: the team was very successful and gave us the opportunity to get this pole position."
The race of qualification of the pilot of Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel, was not so good when the German hit a wet patch and left the field. Vettel finished ninth, further damaging his chances of overtaking Hamilton in the championship race.
With five races remaining, Hamilton leads Vettel by 50 points in the standings. The winners of the race get 25 points.
Hamilton, who claimed the 80th pole of his career, will be competing for his fifth victory of the Japanese Grand Prix in Sunday's race.
"Many thanks to everyone at the factory," said Hamilton. "I am very proud to be on this trip with them, I never thought about reaching 80 in a million years."
Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen was fourth in Japan, ahead of Haas driver Romain Grosjean.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, who finished 15th after failing to set a time in the second qualifying, heading to the pits at the end of his overlap with what appeared to be an engine problem.
Brendon Hartley, of Toro Rosso, got his best position on the grid in sixth place, one place ahead of his teammate Pierre Gasly.
Esteban Ocon was eighth, ahead of Vettel, with his Force India teammate, Sergio Pérez, completing the top 10.
Marcus Ericsson crashed in turn 7 at the beginning of the session.
The driver of the Sauber ran on the grass and turned into a barrier, which led to a red flag of six minutes.
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