Image source, Getty Images

One of the many world championships to be decided at Suzuka was the 1998 one.

A sensational blow-out dumped Michael Schumacher out of the Japanese Grand Prix, handing Mika Hakkinen the title.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

It isn't going to happen this weekend, but the world championship has been won in Japan on more occasions than in any other country. 

In total, 13 champions have been crowned in Japan including Damon Hill, who won it in 1996.

Image source, Getty Images

Just 46% of the total races at Suzuka have been won from pole. The last driver to do so was Sebastian Vettel in 2012.

Image source, Getty Images

We were asking in practice earlier today for the strangest things you have seen in F1, keep them coming as we build up to qualifying and also let us know who you think will be on pole.

Tweet to #bbcf1,, external text in on 81111 (UK only) and have your say on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer at Suzuka

“There are grey clouds to the north-west but the weather is coming from the other direction and it is sunny at Suzuka as qualifying approaches. It is a very warm day, 27C and quite humid and there seems no prospect of the action, which starts at 0700 BST, being disrupted by the rain that afflicted Friday practice. 

"The atmosphere is building, and the indications from an admittedly difficult to read final practice session - the only track action in the dry so far this weekend - are that Mercedes are back on form, Red Bull their closest challengers on this track that rewards aerodynamic excellence as much as it does engine power. And Ferrari, dominant winners in Singapore only six days ago, were struggling. How will it play out?”

Lotus, struggling financially, are still locked out of their hospitality unit and if you have been following our coverage of practice you will have seen the team and drivers have been having to find elsewhere to eat their lunch. 

So where have did they end up today?

Image source, Top Gear

So we know the Mercedes are looking like they are back on form, but what about the best of the rest?

As far as that is concerned, Daniel Ricciardo was the standout performer in final practice.

The Australian was 0.502secs behind Nico Rosberg, an impressively close margin on a circuit where lap time is quite power-dependent, an area Mercedes has the upper hand over Red Bull in.

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"They are very passionate fans in Japan and even today I still get gifts.

David Coulthard finished on the podium on four occasions at Suzuka.

BBC One

If you have just woken up then what better way to kick off your Saturday with a bit of qualifying build up and coverage, live on BBC One and online right now.

Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer

"The persistent rain of Friday was replaced by warm, dry weather and Suzuka was resplendent during practice, the sea and mountains clearly visible in the distance to the south and north.

"Qualifying is expected to be dry and Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg appear the clear favourites for pole position."

Read Andrew's report from final practice here.

Hello! Welcome to our coverage of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

After Friday was a practical washout, the final practice session was, as expected, a busy one as teams learned as much as they could for qualifying and tomorrow's race.

Nico Rosberg was the man to finish top of the timesheet, 0.297secs ahead Lewis Hamilton as the two Mercedes returned to their customary positions after their surprising struggles in Singapore last weekend.

Image source, Getty Images

Are Mercedes back in business?

It certainly seems that way, judging by final practice, as Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton found themselves back in a familiar position - back on top of the timesheet.

Will that continue that into qualifying?

After Mercedes' struggles in Singapore, this chap looks to have played it safe by cheering on several teams judging by the variety of cars on his hat, but it looks like normal service might have resumed at the Silver Arrows. Has it? We'll find out in qualifying, so join us from 06:00 BST for all the build-up.

1) Rosberg 2) Hamilton 3) Ricciardo 4) Bottas 5) Massa 6) Raikkonen 7) Verstappen 8) Vettel 9) Grosjean 10) Sainz  

11) Hulkenberg 12) Button 13) Ericsson 14) Kvyat 15) Maldonado 16) Alonso 17) Perez 18)  Nasr 19) Stevens 20) Rossi

Mercedes back on top then in final practice and looking good for qualifying. Probably the standout display from that session was Daniel Ricciardo, who was the best of the rest.

A minute left of the session and a final chance for teams to get some prep in ahead of qualifying later today.