As expected, Red Bull has locked out the front row for today's Japanese Grand Prix however, contrary to expectations both McLarens gave them a run for their money.

Sebastian Vettel starts from pole for the eighth time this season however, only once this season (Valencia) has he converted the prime starting slot into a win. On the other hand, teammate Mark Webber, who starts from second, has twice gone on to win from this position this year.

Due to a five-place grid penalty incurred after he changed the gearbox on his car, Hamilton is demoted to eighth place. However, the nature of the Suzuka track, combined with the Englishman's never-say-die approach, means he should not be written off. That said, having crashed out of the last two races, Hamilton might want to err on the side of caution today if he is to keep his title hopes alive.

While Fernando Alonso starts from fifth on the grid today it might be an idea to keep an eye on the man ahead of him, a man who has looked consistently strong all weekend, Robert Kubica. The Pole seems to get better and better and while he is not part of the title fight he will have no intention of rolling over for his Spanish rival.

Another man to watch today is Jenson Button, the real outsider in the title fight. Starting on the harder tyre - the only one of the front ten drivers to do so - he will be on the softer, faster tyre for the last phase of the race. Could this be another inspired tyre choice by the reigning world champion or will degradation be a problem

While Nico Rosberg and, to a lesser extent, his Mercedes teammate will be up there, keep an eye on the Williams duo especially Rubens Barrichello who, like a fine wine, appears to be getting better with age.

A disappointing Q2 saw Felipe Massa fail to make it through to Q3 however, expect the Brazilian to be on a charge this afternoon, even if this could mean some fun and games in the opening laps.

Suzuka is one of the drivers' favourite tracks and at a time when circuits are becoming ever more emasculated it is one that really stands out even if it too has been 'got at'.

The legendary Japanese track has hosted some epic races over the years, let's hope that today it can produce another thriller.

With Bernie Ecclestone insisting that the Korean Grand Prix will go ahead - even if the FIA has the last word - the 2010 titles cannot be decided here today, but at least one or two of the five contenders could fall by the wayside.

Other than the title fight however, a number of drivers have yet to secure deals for next season and for some of them, think Liuzzi or Buemi, this is a fine opportunity to make a good impression. We don't include Petrov because we think that's a done deal.

Twenty-five minutes before the race is due to get underway, there is drama when Lucas di Grassi goes off on the exit of 130R during a final pre-race installation lap. The car is badly damaged and it the Brazilian will play no further part in today's race.

Over the years we've seen a number of first lap incidents here so it is not unreasonable to expect that there might be some silliness this afternoon, especially with so many hot-headed young chargers in the pack.