BEFORE WASHOUT

posted times in the afternoon when Lance Stroll had a lucky escape after his Williams aquaplaned off coming into turn one, forcing the Canadian to take evasive action to avoid hitting a barrier.

Only four other drivers did set times, Esteban Ocon’s Force India going closest to three-time Japan winner Hamilton with a 1:49.518.

“It’s been an interesting day,” said Hamilton. “The car is feeling much better than it was in Malaysia. It feels back to normal, so I’m ready to race.”

Vettel, who trails Hamilton by 34 points with five of the 20 races left this season, gave his fading title hopes a boost with a lightning late dash in the morning as the rain began to fall.

Ferrari team mate Kimi Raikkonen was the only other driver to join Vettel, Hamilton and Ricciardo in breaking 1:30, despite complaining of overheating brakes.

Valtteri Bottas, like Hamilton running an upgraded aerodynamic package, registered a 1:30.151 for Mercedes with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen — who stunned Hamilton to win in Malaysia — sixth fastest.

Vettel faces a potential mustwin race at the fearsome figureof-eight Japan circuit, where he won four times with Red Bull.

Verstappen had a fright in the morning as he slid off onto the gravel before Sainz skidded into a tyre wall after exiting the hairpin, mangling his Toro Rosso and bringing out the red flags.

Ocon and Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg were seventh and eighth quickest, while Romain Grosjean’s Haas and the McLaren of Stoffel Vandoorne rounded out the top 10. AFP