Gabriel Bortoleto started the Japanese GP weekend with difficulties, but qualifying was more than positive for the Audi competitor in Formula 1. This Saturday (28), he advanced once again to Q3 and will start from ninth place in the third round of the 2026 season.
Read more MotoGP: Márquez ends Friday with the fastest time in Austin
In the first phase of qualifying, the competitor showed good pace, as did teammate Nico Hülkenberg. The German team drew attention for placing both of its drivers within the top-10, easily securing advancement to the second phase in Suzuka.
In Q2, when Gabriel put on new tires, in his first flying lap attempt he managed to place himself among the top three on the table. In the following laps, he always stayed within the top-10, showing good pace – in the end, he advanced to Q3 in eighth place.
The final part of the Japanese GP Formula 1 qualifying arrived and in his first attempt, Bortoleto placed himself in fifth position, a provisional third row in Suzuka.
Read more F1: Norris could miss FP3 in Japan after new problem
With just over two minutes to the checkered flag, the driver of car #5 went out on track once more for his final flying lap attempt. Recording 1min30s274, he took eighth place, was eventually surpassed and, thus, will start ninth in the Japanese GP.
The start of the Formula 1 race in Suzuka takes place this Sunday, 29, at 2:00 AM Brasília time.
Read more F1: Antonelli leads Japanese GP FP3 and confirms Mercedes favoritism
