F1 2019 Japanese GP: Friday as it happened!

As the Formula 1 season nears its conclusion, the paddock is embarking on one of its yearly highlights this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

The race has established itself as a firm favourite on the calendar thanks to its challenging track layout that punishes mistakes, its steep history, and vibrant fanbase that makes each year a memorable event.

F1 2019 Japanese GP: Friday as it happened!

As the Formula 1 season nears its conclusion, the paddock is embarking on one of its yearly highlights this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

The race has established itself as a firm favourite on the calendar thanks to its challenging track layout that punishes mistakes, its steep history, and vibrant fanbase that makes each year a memorable event.

Second practice for the Japanese Grand Prix gets underway at 0600 BST on Friday. CLICK HERE to follow the session LIVE!

Lewis Hamilton arrives in Japan leading the drivers' championship by 73 points from Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, meaning that while he cannot wrap up a sixth world title at Suzuka, he is likely to move to within touching distance this weekend. Mercedes can, however, secure its sixth straight constructors' championship this weekend by outscoring Ferrari by 14 points.

Ferrari will be hopeful of its chances of making Mercedes wait a little bit longer to toast its success, having won three of the last four races. The team has been moving to clear the air after tensions brewed between teammates Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel in Russia amid team orders, but insists that all is well in the camp.

The other big talking point so far this weekend has been the weather, with super typhoon Hagibis set to make landfall on Saturday in Japan. All track action has been subsequently cancelled for Saturday, meaning qualifying will now take place on Sunday morning at 1000 local (0200 BST). 

Second practice for the Japanese Grand Prix gets underway at 0600 BST on Friday. CLICK HERE to follow the session LIVE!

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