In Japan, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton pulled off an aggressive passing move on teammate Nico Rosberg and went on to win the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday, moving a step closer to claiming his second straight Formula One title. Hamilton, who had his first retirement of the season at last weekend's Singapore GP, capitalized on a strong start and surged ahead of Rosberg at the first corner. He led the rest of the way, crossing the finish line a comfortable 18.9 seconds ahead. Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel was third, 1.8 seconds behind Rosberg, who started from pole. With five races left, Hamilton has a 48 point lead over Rosberg. Hamilton claimed his eighth win of the season. It was his 41st career win, tying him with his childhood hero Ayrton Senna.