Nico Rosberg clocks fastest time in Japanese Grand Prix practice

Nico Rosberg has recorded the fastest time in the first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Mercedes dominated as Rosberg edged out teammate and title rival Lewis Hamilton by 0.151 seconds.

Despite the finishing times being predictable, there was a moment of history for the sport as Max Verstappen became the youngest driver to head out onto the track in Formula 1.

The 17-year-old was selected to fill in for Jean-Eric Vergne, whose seat he will take at Toro Rosso next season.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was the third quickest in the session, with Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

Full practice standings:

1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
3. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
4. Valtteri Bottas (Williams)
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
6. Kevin Magnussen (McLaren)
7. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
8. Jenson Button (McLaren)
9. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
10. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso)
11. Felipe Massa(Williams)
12. Max Verstappen (Renault)
13. Sergio Perez (Force India)
14. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)
15. Romain Grosjean (Lotus Renault)
16. Adrian Sutil (Sauber)
17. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus Renault)
18. Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber)
19. Marcus Ericsson (Caterham)
20. Roberto Merhi (Catherham)
21. Jules Bianchi (Marussia)
22. Max Chilton (Marussia)