As Mercedes resumed its duties at the top of the time sheets, Valtteri Bottas emerged as the victor in the 'best of the rest' battle in qualifying today .
The Williams driver, who comfortably edged out Vettel, Massa, Raikkonen and Ricciardo, was a little under half a second away from poleman Rosberg on a track which appears to accommodate the natural qualities of both car and driver.
"Today's result is good for us obviously," said Bottas.
" I think we came into this weekend with a good setup for the dry, so we didn't really have that much work to do from practice to qualifying."
The Finn's last third place in qualifying dates back to Canada earlier this year. Ferrari and Red Bull will sure to be snapping at Williams heals tomorrow, but believes the overall qualities of the FW37 can prevail.
"This is a very different track from Singapore, so we always knew it would be better us. We've got some good downforce and the car is showing good stability which are qualities you need here. Things are going very smoothly and as a group we've done a good job."
REPORT: Rosberg takes pole after huge Kvyat crash
AS IT HAPPENED: Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying
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