Nico Rosberg pipped reigning world champion and Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton to secure pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday.
The German driver 0.076 seconds quicker than Hamilton after storming ahead with his early lap, the Mirror reported.
Hamilton chances of securing a second consecutive pole position were ended after Daniil Kvyat's crash stopped the qualifying session before any driver could do a final lap.
Kvyat smashed into the barriers after losing control on his car following a drift onto the grass at Suzuka.
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Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas finished third ahead of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who stormed to victory in the previous race in Singapore.
Hamilton heads into Sunday's thriller with a 41 point-lead over Rosberg in the drivers' championship standings.