An engine issue ended Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 debut prematurely with the teenager coming to a halt six minutes from the end of the opening free practice session at Suzuka.
The 17-year-old had enjoyed a mistake free maiden run in the 2014 specification Toro Rosso before the mechanical issue, clocking a personal best time just four tenths adrift of his team-mate Daniil Kvyat in 12th position.
Verstappen racked up 22 laps behind the wheel of the STR9 before a loss of power from the engine forced him to pull off the circuit in the closing stages.
By running in the session he became the youngest driver to compete in an official F1 session, as he recorded important mileage ahead of his full grand prix debut at next year’s Australian Grand Prix.
Elsewhere, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg topped the session by just 0.151s from team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was third fastest just half a second slower than the Mercedes duo.
Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo ended the opening session in seventh two tenths quicker than his team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
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