‘Checo’ Pérez will start second in the Japanese Grand Prix

The Mexican Sergio Pérez closed in second place in the qualification of the Japanese Grand Prix, in Suzuka, behind the Red Bull of his teammate, the three-time world champion Max Verstappen, who recorded the best time on the circuit after abandoning the last race in Australia due to a failure in his car. By just hundredths of a second, McLaren driver Lando Norris was one step below ‘Checo’ in a session that took place in dry conditions after rain.

“The margins that make a difference in a race are very small. Throughout the weekend, we were very close to the car and we are sure that tomorrow (today) we will leave with a good race pace,” said the Czech as he turned off the engines and celebrated with his team.

Norris was about to take second place from the man from Guadalajara, but his Red Bull responded in the last two laps to maintain the dominance he has imposed alongside Verstappen, leader again from the start. It was the 36th pole position of the Dutchman’s career.

Further behind came the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz (4th) and Charles Leclerc (8th), who could not find their best rhythm and will have the mission of closing the gap to reach the podium. “I never had optimal grip with the tires. We have to try to understand what is happening,” explained the Monegasque pilot.

Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) finished in fifth place while Lewis Hamilton, with his Mercedes, came in seventh after going through some difficulties in the first tests with his car.