CHAMPIONSHIP leader Lando Norris again looks set for a battle with team-mate Oscar Piastri as the McLaren pair set the pace during practice for Japanese Grand Prix.

McLaren have won the first two races of the season — Norris winning in Australia and Piastri in China — and are favourites heading into this weekend at Suzuka.

Piastri finished the day on top, only 0.049 seconds clear of Norris who was over four tenths clear of third-placed Isack Hadjar.