Kimi Antonelli Leads Way As Mercedes Dominate Practice In Japan

SUZUKA (Japan), March 28 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Kimi Antonelli led teammate George Russell as Mercedes dominated final practice for Sunday's Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, PA Media/dpa reported.

Antonelli, who opened his winning account in China a fortnight ago, finished 0.254 seconds clear of Russell in Suzuka.

Antonelli and Russell look primed to battle it out for pole position later on Saturday, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc a distant third.

Leclerc finished nearly nine tenths behind Antonelli. McLaren's Oscar Piastri was a full second back, fractionally ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in fifth.

World champion Lando Norris completed just 13 laps after he was sidelined for the majority of the session with an engine problem.

Audi's Nico Hulkenberg took seventh, one spot ahead of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

Qualifying for Sunday's race takes place at 3 pm (0600 GMT).

-- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa