Mercedes force returns as Kimi Antonelli tops FP3 at Suzuka

Kimi Antonelli has ended the final practice session on top of the timesheet as Mercedes returned to the head of the pecking order at Suzuka.

The Italian was two and a half tenths of a second ahead of team-mate George Russell, who emerged as the fastest driver after FP1 on Friday.

After McLaren topped the second practice outing, Mercedes' competitors fell a long way back on Saturday morning.

Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari, but was a mammoth eight and a half tenths down on Antonelli's effort.

With Leclerc third, Piastri slotted himself into third as he looks to get his season up and running this weekend, having missed the opening two grands prix.

However, he is facing a stewards' investigation for an alleged impeding incident during the session.

Lewis Hamilton was fifth for Ferrari, just two-hundredths of a second down on Piastri.

Lando Norris was struck by an ERS issue before the start of the session and only took to the track late on to prepare for qualifying.

Nevertheless, the reigning champion managed to round out the top six.

Audi will enter the upcoming qualifying session in high spirits as Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto finished seventh and ninth, respectively.

Lodged between the two German cars was an unhappy Max Verstappen, who had consistent complaints over his car's performance during the session.

Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10 for Alpine.

The session was largely free of any major drama, bar a high-speed spin for Oliver Bearman at Turn 14.