Australian Oscar Piastri will start Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix second after one of the best qualifying sessions in his rookie season.

The McLaren driver was almost seven-tenths behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen, who was a class above the rest in his Red Bull around the Suzuka circuit.

Coming off a seventh-place finish last week after starting 17th in Singapore, Piastri continued his good form on Saturday afternoon in Japan.

In his first outing at Suzuka, Piastri had been quick throughout the three practice sessions before qualifying.

The Australian had new upgrades put on his McLaren this weekend, with the results already showing.

"The upgrades on the car — yeah, they are quick," he said.

"First time I've started on the front row for a while, but it will be cool."

Piastri's teammate Lando Norris was third quickest, backing up his second at last week's Formula 1 race in Singapore.

Piastri extended his deal with McLaren to 2026 earlier this week.