Ahead of today's qualifying session the air temperature is 25 degrees C, while the track temperature is 36 degrees. It remains very windy, especially on the main pit straight. Indeed, the wind direction has changed since this morning which could prove problematic for some drivers.

As witnessed by the times earlier this morning, the track is much grippier today, and consequently considerably faster. That said, once the options were bolted on for the final fifteen minutes of the session there were few really significant improvements.

The tyres on offer this weekend are hard (prime) and medium (option) with around 0.5s between them, as far as most drivers are concerned.

As in 2012 there is one DRS zone and it is on the main pit straight, albeit slightly longer than last year.

The big talking point was a KERS issue on Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull which meant the German didn't get to run on the softer rubber. However, the fact that his teammate, Mark Webber, topped the timesheets, should give the world champion a significant confidence boost.

After yesterday's numerous incidents this morning the drivers were a little more circumspect, all except for Adrian Sutil who sent into the barriers at Spoon after running wide on to the Astroturf. Unfortunately, Force India needed to change the gearbox on the German's car thus incurring a five-place grid penalty.

A number of drivers, most notably Hamilton and Grosjean, continue to push their luck, and only time will tell if they take it just that little bit too far.

Overall, Red Bull appears to have the upper hand, though, as in Korea last week, Mercedes looks strong as does Lotus. Ferrari still appears to be on the back foot.

While most attention is focussed on the title 'fight', which could be wrapped up by Vettel this weekend, let's not forget that there is much, much more at stake.

First off there is the Constructors' Championship, the championship that decides who gets what prize money. At a time of rising costs and shrinking (sponsor) budgets every single point is precious.

Then there is the fight to find/secure a seat for 2014. At present only a few drivers have contracts for next year and even then no contract is cast iron. Therefore, the drivers have a few more opportunities to impress prospective employers or convince their current paymasters that they're worth retaining.

The lights go green and Gutierrez heads down the pitlane. Vettel's car looks ready to go as does Sutil's.

As he begins his flying lap Gutierrez has the track entirely to himself. As he completes the second sector Button, Perez, Raikkonen, Grosjean, Hulkenberg and di Resta decide to join him.

At the line Sauber driver posts 1:33.547.

Of the first wave, di Resta and Button look quick, the Scot posting 33.059 and then his English rival banging in a 32.606. Raikkonen goes second (32.841) only to lose out when his teammate stops the clock at 32.747.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by inoffapost, 12/10/2013 22:58

"Well done Mark. Great performance today.

But I fear for you tomorrow. I bet there will be short odds for your start system to fail (again) tomorrow handing the immediate advantage to your teammate. I hope not as Vettel doesn't need that kind of luck (or otherwise) and you don't deserve to be screwed at the start.

Here's hoping you do him - flag 2 flag"

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2. Posted by Paul C, 12/10/2013 17:31

"Go Mark! I hope he follows up the pole run with a smashing start and a run away win!"

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Webber takes Suzuka pole

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