After once again proving that they can win on very contrasting circuits (Monza and Singapore), Mercedes went to Japan with a small chance of being constructors champions. Ferrari were keen to regain on Williams, and McLaren wanted to move ahead of Force India.
Caterham were struggling just to make it to Japan, after reports emerged that bailiffs had visited their headquarters in Leafield.
Before FP1, the biggest concern was how Typhoon Phanfone could affect the race weekend, as well...
