Rosberg on pole, Hamilton 2nd, Bottas 3rd
Kvyat involved in dramatic crash at end of session
Hamilton fastest in Q1, Rosberg top in Q2
Qualifying reply on BBC One at 13:00 BST
Are Mercedes set to bounce back after disappointment in Singapore? They are leading the way in this session and the early indications are that Ferrari cannot compete with them around Suzuka.
Kimi Raikkonen is sixth fastest, a second off Nico Rosberg's benchmark, with Sebastian Vettel eighth.
Tom Clarkson
BBC F1 pit-lane reporter
Quote MessageBoth Mercedes drivers have made a change to their front suspension. They are back out there now so let's see what Lewis Hamilton can do on a new set of medium tyres.
Jenson Button, at one point fifth fastest but now done to P9, is one of those drivers back in the pits, and it looks like he might not be getting back out either...
For the first time in this hour it is a little quiet on the circuit, with 11 cars back in their respective garages. Ten minutes left...
Image source, BBC SportHas Sebastian Vettel been a bit naughty here? It looks like he has changed his helmet design, something you are now allowed to do...
Allan McNish
BBC Radio 5 live analyst
Quote MessageLewis Hamilton is the one who has stood out on the medium tyre. He has done some solid lap times. Sebastian Vettel does not appear to have the same medium-tyre pace.
A lock-up for Daniil Kvyat and he runs wide and into the gravel on the second corner of the Degner curve.
"I need another go," he says over team radio. Kvyat is currently 11th fastest as we head into the final 15 minutes of this practice session.
...and it is second fastest for Lewis Hamilton as he clocks a 1:34.292, three tenths of a second off Nico Rosberg's time.
A switch to medium tyres for Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Can they knock Daniel Ricciardo off his perch?
Rosberg is the first to try just that and he does so by more than half a second. Hamilton coming round now...
Image source, bbcFernando Alonso appears to have also had a little detour off the circuit, finding himself on the hat of a keen observer...
Just passed the halfway mark and Daniel Ricciardo continues to lead the way with 1:34.497. Felipe Massa is now second fastest, ahead of Valtteri Botttas, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz.
Meanwhile, Pastor Maldonado is into the run-off area at Spoon Curve. No drama, though.
Strangest sights in F1
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Has Jenson Button's concerns with the McLaren been sorted? He leaps up into P5 with 1:36.174.
Meanwhile, subdued stuff from Mercedes and Ferrari. Both yet to show their hand. They are all down in the middle of the pack in terms of the fastest times.
Image source, BBC SportNo words needed.
From the archives
Image source, Getty ImagesSpeaking of Gerhard Berger, here's a superb picture of him punching the air in delight as he passes the chequered flag in his Ferrari back in that 1987 race.
Image source, Getty ImagesGerhard Berger, winner of the first Japanese Grand Prix to be held at Suzuka in 1987, is currently deep in conversation with Niki Lauda.