A fourth successive world championship appears to be heading inexorably into Sebastian Vettel's grasp as the drivers shaped up for free practice in Suzuka on Friday.
First practice was led by the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and team mate Nico Rosberg - with Hamilton setting a best time of one minute 34.157 seconds.
Hamilton would end up sixth fastest, as Lotus' Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen finished fifth and fourth respectively.
It was an eventful afternoon for Raikkonen, who suffered a mid session spin - the Finn not alone in finding the Suzuka circuit difficult to negotiate.
But once again - with Nico Rosberg posting the third fastest time - it was the Red Bull team who headed a one-two in free practice.
Mark Webber - using a new chassis - was second fastest in a time of one minute 34.020 seconds.
There was no one who could touch Vettel though - the German has won three of the last four races in Suzuka and topped the timesheets with an effort of one minute 33.852 seconds.
Vettel will win the world title if he wins and Fernando Alonso fails to finish in the top eight in Japan.
The Ferrari driver found it tough going on Friday - Alonso tenth in the afternoon practice after losing control at the Degner curve.
McLaren's Sergio Perez spun off the track and into a tyre wall - whilst Marussia driver Jules Bianchi sat out the afternoon session after a head on collision into the tyre wall.