For the first time, the Japanese Grand Prix is taking place in April instead of its traditional October slot.
It means F1 heads to Suzuka in blossom season as drivers prepare for round four of 24 on the calendar in this record-breaking season.
Max Verstappen is the defending race-winner, storming to victory last season after his defeat in Singapore and returns two weeks after his defeat in Australia following the brake issue.
It is 10 years since he made his Grand Prix weekend debut, in the fateful 2014 weekend, which Charles Leclerc sporting a Jules Bianchi tribute helmet to his godfather as he looks for his first win in nearly two years.
Will Ferrari have the pace to catch Red Bull, and what about McLaren or Mercedes? We wil lget our first clues in the opening 60 minutes of practice!
Free practice 1 - Japanese
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