“There's a tremendous feeling of comradeship – in our garage and in our hospitality units here at Fuji, and of course back in Woking, in Brixworth and in Stuttgart – and that comradeship, that will to win, will persist throughout this race weekend and throughout the final two weekends of the season too.”

“That didn't look bad,” added Mercedes-Benz Motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug, “and we are quite satisfied with the outcome of today's practice. Our long runs in race trim were fast and consistent, with both the option and the prime tyres.

“It's all looking positive; however, we don't yet know what the opposition has in-store for us. Only one fact seems to be sure – the weather will be better than it was last year.”