The German, who will be bidding for his sixth Suzuka victory on Sunday, clocked one minute 47.906 seconds in heavy rain, more than 16 seconds slower than Ferrari [ Images ] team mate Rubens Barrichello's [ Images ] pole-setting time last year.

Sauber driver Giancarlo Fisichella [ Images ] of Italy [ Images ] was second fastest with a time of 1:48.362, with Brazilian Barrichello third in 1:49.846 as only 17 drivers set lap times in the treacherous conditions.

Briton Jenson Button [ Images ] was fourth quickest but BAR team mate Takuma Sato [ Images ] disappointed the home fans by stopping after one lap and failing to set a time.

Japanese Sato briefly lost control on returning to the pit lane and opted for caution by not coming back out.

Jaguar driver Mark Webber [ Images ] of Australia [ Images ] also skidded approaching the pits and was one of eight drivers who did not set times, including Brazil's [ Images ] Felipe Massa [ Images ] (Sauber), who spun off into a crash barrier at turn eight.

Sunday's race could be disrupted by typhoon "Ma-on", forecast to hit central Japan [ Images ] this weekend.