F1 Japanese Grand Prix: 5 Predictions for qualifying

#4 Renault misses out on top-10

Both the Renaults were off the pace in FP1 and FP2

The team suffered a disastrous weekend at Sochi Autodrom, despite playing it cleverly with the tyre tactics. No relief looks to be insight for Renault as both Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg were way off the pace in both the practice sessions, which saw them finish no higher than the twelfth place.

In both the sessions, the Renault machines were slower Grosjean's Haas, Ocon's Force India and Ericsson's Sauber, painting the picture of a bleak qualifying session that will see them struggle to compete with the midfield, and potentially, lose the lead that they build over Haas in the constructors' championship.