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Nico Rosberg will look to close the gap on Lewis Hamilton when he starts in pole position for the 2014 Japanese Formula One Grand Prix. Join The Roar for live updates and commentary from 5:00pm (AEDT).
It’s clear for all to see that Mercedes have dominated Formula One this year, with Rosberg this week edging out the all too familiar battle with teammate Lewis Hamilton as to which of their cars will sit on the front of the grid when the lights go out at Suzuka.
Rosberg dominated the latter two sessions of qualifying after Hamilton – who joins the German on the front row – edged out the first in which all drivers took part.
The Mercedes pair will have the Williams duo of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa in third and fourth positions on the grid respectively, whilst Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren make up the rest of the top 10.
Aussie Daniel Ricciardo will start from sixth position.
Described as one of Formula One’s “most demanding circuits”, Suzuka will host the 15th round of the Championship, with Hamilton currently harbouring a three-point advantage over Rosberg, who failed to finish in Singapore a fortnight ago.
With the Constructors Championship virtually secured for Mercedes, this duel will provide the last bout of excitement from a thrilling 2014 campaign amongst driving’s elite.
Suzuka was not a happy hunting ground for Hamilton last time out however, as he was forced to retire with collision damage early in the race.
Red Bull’s Sebastien Vettel – who will leave the constructor at the end of the year – claimed top spot ahead of teammate Mark Webber after the Australian had claimed pole position.
Should the testing conditions of the Japanese course not be enough of a challenge for the drivers, the remnants of Typhoon Phanfone is a potential threat with battering winds and rain on the Japanese East coast.
No direct threat is expected at Suzuka, but a large and heavy rainfall could occur before the race.
Join The Roar for live commentary and updates of the 2014 Japanese F1 Grand Prix from 5:00pm (AEDT).
If you are following the race live, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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