Lewis Hamilton says he has found “another level” in qualifying over the course of the 2017 season after storming to a tenth pole of the season in Suzuka.
The Briton was in a league of his own on Saturday, out-pacing nearest challenger Valtteri Bottas by more than three tenths of a second.
It was Hamilton’s 71st career pole, moving him three clear of Michael Schumacher’s previous record, and his first ever at Suzuka.
“Qualifying has been an area this year where I have really been able to find another level of composure,” he explained. “It has really helped me deliver.
“It has taken me forever to get this pole. That’s a complete list of all the tracks. I have a pole on all the circuits now, which is kind of crazy.
“I have been here a long time, I don’t know how many more I have left in me but this has been a strong season in terms of qualifying – all my laps were bang on the mark. I didn’t miss a single one.”
Hamilton last started alongside title rival Sebastian Vettel at Spa, narrowly holding off the German in an intense battle.
The Briton is expecting a repeat in Sunday’s race, with Ferrari generally able to match Mercedes on high fuel.
“The last race the car was a disaster, so second place was not too bad,” he said.
“This weekend it’s cooler, it works better with these cooler conditions – but the Ferrari is going to be strong.
“I anticipate it being like Spa, where Ferrari is going be right on us and potentially a little bit quicker.
“So strategy and how I look after the tyre is going to be key. But I am ready, I’m game and I am on it.”
Indeed, Vettel is confident of turning the tables on Hamilton as he sets out to claw back a deficit of 34 points.
“We want to win,” the Ferrari driver said. “I think we have the package and car.
“Usually Sundays we are a bit stronger but there have been Sundays where Mercedes was stronger than us – so I can’t give you prediction.
“It could get warmer and that can change the balance of the car, so hopefully it helps us.”
