Yuki Tsu𒉰noda says he had to put together a “magic lap” to qualify fifth on the grid for Formula 1's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Driving for Racing Bulls, the Japanese driver set a best time of 1m15.670s in the dying moments of Q3, securing a spot on the third row ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon and the Ferraris of Charles L🌠eclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Tsunoda was✃ also just two tenths slower than Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, w🅺ho qualified third, while he also managed to comprehensively outperformed Liam Lawson, the driver who beat him to the second seat at the energy drink giant’s flagship team.

Speaking afterwards, the 24-year-old credited Racing Bulls for giving him a car with which he could secure his best starting positಞion since he qualified third at the Brazilian GPꦫ last year.

“I can say definitely it was a magic l♔ap,” he told F1.com. “I think I was able to put it all together as well.

“The quality of lap wa🌜s the best out of previous runs throughout the week so far. But I also gotꦰ a bit of help from Lando until Turn 9 with the tow.

“Combined with everything, that l✅ap time came a bit out of nowhere. So very happy but also car pace so far throughout the week was consistently g𒆙ood so that gives me extra confidence into qualifying.

“Huge credit to the team, they worked really hard over the off-season and I’m happy now.”

While all running so far in Melbour🌃ne has been held in dry condit🤪ion, forecast suggests it would rain on race day.

However, Tsunoda revealed that Racing Bulls has already optimised the set-up of his car for wet-weather, meaning he is⛄ feeling confident about his prospects for the rꦗace.

“Actually even in rain condition, we are kind of already prepared [for ♛it],” he said. “We made a compromise with set-up as well.

“So ev🍌en in rain condition I’m feeling pretty ♔confident. I’m excited for tomorrow but at the same time it’s going to be tricky.

“Bit of excitement, bit of thril𒁏ling. But P5 [in qualifying], I can’t complain.”