Japanese Grand Prix 2014: B/R Experts Predict Pole, Race Winner and More

The Japanese Grand Prix is the first of back-to-back race weekends in Formula 1, and could be crucial in determining the destination of the drivers' title.

Lewis Hamilton returned to the top of the standings with victory in Singapore, but the margin between the Briton and team-mate Nico Rosberg is wafer-thin.

And the weather forecast for Suzuka suggests that rain could play a huge part, so whoever can respond best to changing circumstance could be in the best position for victory.

Here are our best guesses as to how the race will play out:  

Mark Patterson: Most drivers will have one eye on the weather, but Lewis Hamilton has both eyes focused squarely on the title. Imperious in the rain—and just how wet it gets on Sunday remains to be seen—Hamilton should dominate once more. But behind him there is room for some upsets, including a Marussia or Caterham in the points.

Oliver Harden: With only three points between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, the pressure of the title battle might become very apparent in qualifying at Suzuka, a circuit where no mistake goes unpunished. If an opportunity opens up on Saturday, Williams will be in a position to take advantage, while the huge uncertainty surrounding race day could allow Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel to upset the odds.

Matthew Walthert: It could be complete chaos if it rains on Sunday at Suzuka. But Mercedes' advantage is so great that they should be able to stay out of it. Hamilton's confidence is sky-high after two victories in a row and only a problem with his car will stop him in Japan.

Neil James: Saturday is set to be clear and dry, so a comfortable front-row lockout for the Mercedes' is on the cards with Lewis Hamilton leading Nico Rosberg. But even if the FIA brings the race forward a few hours to avoid the worst of Typhoon Phanfone, rain looks almost certain. It's not the "great equaliser" it was once considered, but the order will still be shaken up and many drivers will fail to make the finish.

Bob Margolis: Mother Nature is expected to be the key player this weekend as the F1 circus plays at Suzuka. A wet race will be far more exciting, but Lewis Hamilton is good in the wet, as are many other drivers. The Ferrari drivers will continue to provide quite a bit of fireworks, but the Mercedes man will prevail.  

B/R Expert Picks: Japanese GP

Columnist	Mark Patterson	Oliver Harden	Matthew Walthert	Neil James	Bob Margolis
Pole Position	Lewis Hamilton	Valtteri Bottas	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton
Race Winner	Lewis Hamilton	Sebastian Vettel	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton
Fastest Lap	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Sebastian Vettel	Nico Rosberg
Top Team	Mercedes	Red Bull	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes
Number of Finishers	15	15	16	13	14

Here's how we did in Singapore, and what the results of the race did to our scores so far this season: 

B/R Expert Picks: After Singapore GP

Columnist	Mark Patterson	Oliver Harden	Matthew Walthert	Neil James	Bob  Margolis	RESULT
Pole Position	Nico Rosberg	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Nico Rosberg	Lewis Hamilton
Race Winner	Nico Rosberg	Lewis Hamilton	Daniel Ricciardo	Lewis Hamilton	Fernando Alonso	Lewis Hamilton
Fastest Lap	Nico Rosberg	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Nico Rosberg	Nico Rosberg	Lewis Hamilton
Top Team	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes	Red Bull
Number of Finishers	18	15	16	16	17	17
Singapore Points	1	4	3	3	2
Points This Season	31	34	32	34	-*

How the Scores Are Calculated

The right answer earns you one point, except in the case of total finishers, where you can be two cars either side. However, if you predict the exact correct number of finishers, you pick up two points.

Feel free to play along in the comments to see how you fare against our predictions.

*Bob Margolis does not have an overall score as he joined our predictions midway through the season.