Hamilton has been beaten to pole position for the final race of the year.

Valtteri Bottas set the fastest time in final practice ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix despite crashing out early on in the session.

Valtteri Bottas will head into Formula One’s season opener still in dreamland after securing the hottest seat in the sport - but the Mercedes new boy insists he is ready to take the world championship fight to Lewis Hamilton this year.

Rosberg bounced back from the error that ended his championship hopes in Austin to win today.