Ferrari going to pieces: Lewis

● Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari are cracking under the pressure of this season’s championship fight after he took another major stride towards winning the world title.

Hamilton starts the Japanese grand prix from the front of the grid after claiming an 80th pole position of his record-breaking career at the Suzuka circuit.

Vettel lines up only ninth after an embarrassing tyre blunder by Ferrari cost the German dearly in qualifying.

The best Vettel can realistically hope for in Japan today is fourth and if, as expected, Hamilton takes the chequered flag, the British driver will move 63 points clear with 100 on the table. It means the championship could be decided as early as the United States grand prix in a fortnight's time. — © The Daily Telegraph, London