Esteban Guerrieri inherits pole for Race 1 as grid is finalised

Title challenger Esteban Guerrieri of Münnich Motorsport has inherited pole position for the first World Touring Car Cup race at Suzuka as the grid has been finalised following a flurry of penalties and reprimands.

KCMG driver Tiago Monteiro had pole position but has been dropped to fourth position following his penalty.

Néstor Girolami was supposed to have started third but has been dropped to 27th following an engine change.

Drivers benefiting from the penalties include the Comtoyou Racing duo of Niels Langeveld and Frédéric Vervisch. The Audi drivers were supposed to have started fourth and fifth respectively but will instead start second and third.

Grid for Race 1