F1, Japanese GP: pole for Verstappen ahead of the Ferraris. Leclerc second, Sainz third

Max Verstappen’s Red Bull took pole position in the Formula 1 Japanese GP, scheduled for tomorrow at the Suzuka circuit. Second time for the Ferrari of the Monegasque Charles Leclerc, just 10 thousandths; third the other Ferrari driver, the Spaniard Carlos Sainz, at 57 thousandths. The race direction will now have to evaluate an obstacle maneuver for Norris in Q3.

«Here is a complicated track – is Leclerc’s analysis -, I sought balance in all sectors. We all came close and tomorrow we will try to have a good race. I have a good feeling with the car, it should rain here in Suzuka, let’s see how things will turn out. I think tomorrow we will see a good show ».

«I made a clean lap until the last corner, then he had some skidding – commented to Sky Sport Sainz -. I hope things go well tomorrow. I think the rain will come during the Grand Prix, but we don’t know when, and so many things can happen. We will have opportunities, because we are in a good position to fight Verstappen ».

For Mattia Binotto, team principal of the Ferrari team, «ten thousandths are nothing, it’s a pity, it’s always nice to get pole, but we are happy with the performances. A set of tires saved tomorrow can make all the difference, especially when the track dries up. With soft tires you can have an advantage. The departure? We study it every race, on Sunday morning we try to understand the best trajectories in the entire first lap. Tomorrow the start is important, the first lap will count for a lot. “” In these qualifying – he analyzed – there was little lap time in the dry, it is normal for the drivers to become familiar with the track and the adaptability of the car during qualifying. The Verstappen maneuver? I think it was risky, it was a launch lap and not a qualifying lap. Let’s see what they will decide ». Speaking of the “budget cap” affair, Binotto adds: «If there is an ongoing discussion, we see that there are some unclear points. Eventually I think something will come out, transparently and clearly. We have to see what will be granted. There have been constant exchanges with the FIA, personally I am a bit pessimistic about the verdict of the International Federation ».