Sebastian Vettel has moved a step closer to retaining his world title after securing pole position for tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver was 0.009 seconds faster than Jenson Button, with the Brit's McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton finishing third.
Hamilton had set the initial pace but was unable to finish his second qualifying lap after surrendering track position to Mark Webber and Michael Schumacher, who finished sixth and seventh respectively.
Ferrari pair Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso will start fourth and fifth on the grid, placing Massa alongside Hamilton, with whom he clashed in Singapore last time out.
Vettel requires only a point to clinch his second world title but would also be crowned champion should Button fail to win.
