Horner stresses: 'Hugely important to secure pole here'

Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix was very close, with only half a tenth separating the entire top three. Where Ferrari often has the strongest car in qualifying, however, it was Max Verstappen who managed to put his Red Bull in pole position on Saturday. Team boss Christian Horner stressed the importance of that pole given the variable weather conditions at the Suzuka Circuit.

Horner speaks of an exciting qualifying session in which the Red Bull Racing and Ferrari drivers were very much matched. "Ferrari has been quick all season so we were not expecting them to be any different here," he told a Red Bull Racing press release.

Horner praises fast lap Verstappen

Not for the first time this season, the Red Bull team boss is deeply impressed by the lap his driver set, in a weekend where pole could well prove crucial. "It was a big lap by Max and to secure pole here ahead of what looks like varying conditions tomorrow is hugely important," Horner continued.

Sergio Perez could not match the qualifying pace of the top three, but nevertheless, the Mexican is in a great position for the race. "Sergio starts on the second row and always seems to race better than he qualifies, so we are looking forward to seeing what is to come from him tomorrow. The variable conditions could play into his hands and I think he will be in the mix," Horner concluded.

Perez himself also said he was hoping for rain. He thinks the changing weather conditions may give him more chances in the race, but also stresses that rain showers can make it more of a spectacle for the fans. In that case, given the long delay to the start in Singapore, the rain had better fall after the lights have gone out.