Japanese Grand Prix 2009

It’s back to early morning viewing for European Grand Prix viewers as the Japanese Grand Prix takes place this weekend. It’s great being able to watch in the middle of the day like with the Singapore night race, but that can’t happen with every race.

Due to the time differences qualifying has already taken place and Sebastian Vettel grabbed pole this week with Jarno Trulli in second and Lewis Hamilton in third. There was a lot of rain in Friday’s practise and it meant the teams didn’t have much to go on in qualifying. Four crashes also interrupted proceedings and sees Jensen Button start down in 7th with teammate Rubens Barrichello 2 places ahead in 5th. Button can win the Championship today if he finishes 5 points clear of Barrichello. He faces a tough fight though on this fast track which could produce some bad weather.

Theoretically Vettel can still win, but is 25 points behind Button with 30 points available to him. It is unlikely that Vettel will score 26 more points than Button in the last 3 races, but Sunday’s poll position is a plus and anything can happen in Formula one!

This are the current standings and this is the race lineup for Sunday.

Update: Button and Barrichello received penalties after qualifying, so start further down the grid.

Great odds this weekend with Vettel and Hamilton top picks with their odds so high.