Max Verstappen has ended the first practice session from the Suzuka Circuit on top of the timesheets.
The Dutchman narrowly led team-mate Sergio Perez as Red Bull look to return to form following its defeat in Australia.
Carlos Sainz, who won the race in Melbourne two weeks ago, was third fastest.
The session was red-flagged halfway through when Logan Sargeant hit the wall at Turn 7 during his return to the cockpit, having been sidelined last time out in Australia.
See the full results from FP1 below!
Result Free practice 1 - Japanese
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