Formula 1 – Mercedes One-Two In Japanese Opener

Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg paced the first free practice session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit.

The German clocked at fastest lap of 1:35.461 to top the timesheets ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton in second and Fernando Alonso ofFerrari in third.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen made history by becoming the youngest driver in Formula One, although his Toro Rosso was forced off track with a smoking engine with six minutes remaining.

More to follow.

FP1 times:

1. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 1:35.461

2. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 1:35.612

3. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Ferrari 1:36.037

4. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Williams-Mercedes 1:36.576

5. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 1:37.187

6. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) McLaren 1:37.327

7. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) RedBull – Renault 1:37.466

8. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren 1:37.649

9. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) RedBull – Renault 1:37.686

10. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso – Renault 1:37.714

11. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes 1:38.012

12. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Toro Rosso – Renault 1:38.157

13. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India – Mercedes 1:38.324

14. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Force India – Mercedes 1:38.582

15. Romain Grosjean (France) Lotus – Renault 1:38.851

16. Adrian Sutil (Germany) Sauber – Ferrari 1:39.046

17. Pastor Maldonado (Venezuela) Lotus – Renault 1:39.097

18. Esteban Gutierrez (Mexico) Sauber – Ferrari 1:39.318

19. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Caterham – Renault 1:40.031

20. Roberto Merhi (Spain) Caterham – Renault 1:41.472

21. Jules Bianchi (France) Marussia – Ferrari 1:41.580

22. Max Chilton (Britain) Marussia – Ferrari 1:41.757