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Rosberg on pole in Japan

September 26, 2015

Nico Rosberg has taken pole position for Mercedes ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton at qualifying in Suzuka, Japan. The session ended early after a crash from which Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat emerged unhurt.

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Nico Rosberg at practice session in Suzuka
Image: Reuters/T. Hanai

Nico Rosberg on Saturday secured his second pole of the season and the 17th of his career at the Suzuka circuit, edging out Briton Lewis Hamilton, who nonetheless ensured an all-Mercedes first row for Sunday's race.

Rosberg was just 0.076 seconds faster than Hamilton.

Finland's Valtteri Bottas qualified third for Williams, while Rosberg's compatriot Sebastian Vettel, who won last weekend in Singapore, came in fourth for Ferrari.

The qualifying round was brought to a close 36 seconds early after a dramatic crash by Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat, who lost control of the rear of his car while approaching the hairpin, spinning into a tire barrier and flipping over. However, the Russian driver clambered out of the wreck unaided.

Sunday's race will be the first Grand Prix held at the Japanese circuit since the death of French driver Jules Bianchi in July, who succumbed to injuries sustained in last year's race at Suzuka nine months ago.

Rosberg is trailing Hamilton by 41 percent in the championship going into Sunday's race.

tj/sms (dpa, Reuters, AP)