\n<\/p>\n
The series of stoppages left it impossible to draw any serious conclusions about relative pace, although it remains clear that McLaren are the team to beat.<\/p>\n
On an unusually cold day of only 13C, all the drivers mentioned the strong north-westerly winds as making life difficult on a circuit with so many long, fast corners.<\/p>\n
Norris said: “We’re still in a good position, it’s tricky just because of the wind. Wind makes a big difference, especially on a circuit like this when it’s so quick.<\/p>\n
“You’re on such a fine limit for a long time in the first sector, the tiniest bit of wind can upset the car a lot. I still feel good, like we’re in a reasonable place.”<\/p>\n
Frenchman Isack Hadjar continued to impress for Racing Bulls with third fastest time on his first visit to Suzuka, considered one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.<\/p>\n
His team-mate Liam Lawson, who was demoted from the Red Bull team after just two races before this event, was fifth fastest behind Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari.<\/p>\n
Hamilton said: “It felt great. We got through all the programme. We have some performance to pick up – we’re not the quickest at the moment – but it’s a good baseline.<\/p>\n
“From weekend to weekend I’m getting more comfortable, and understanding more of the set-up changes we can do and knowing what tools I have that can get the car in a better place.”<\/p>\n
Mercedes’ George Russell was sixth fastest, from the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.<\/p>\n
Russell said: “A pretty positive day for us, the car has been handling really nicely and I’ve been pretty pleased with that. We’ve got to make sure it stays the same for tomorrow. <\/p>\n
“It is really windy out there and tomorrow the wind is going to shift 180 degrees so that is going to really change how the car is feeling but I am confident we can be in the mix for fighting for the front two rows.”<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen was eighth, complaining of understeer in his Red Bull, with Pierre Gasly’s Alpine and the Williams of Carlos Sainz completing the top 10.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n