Nico Rosberg pipped Lewis Hamilton to the fastest time in the final practice session at Suzuka, as the weather finally cleared up to allow some meaningful running to be completed. Daniel Ricciardo was on the pace immediately, setting the benchmark and finishing up third overall. Williams continued to show good pace with their Mercedes power unit, whilst Force India struggled with theirs.

Will Stevens topped his less experienced teammate Alexander Rossi, but both were a full five seconds off the pace of the fastest cars.