Anthony Davidson was pleasantly surprised by the performance of one driver in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. Max Verstappen, looking to bounce back from a rare mechanical DNF in Australia last time out, took pole position at Suzuka. But Davidson, speaking live on Sky Sports F1, also applauded one of the Dutchman’s competitors. Fellow Red Bull driver Sergio Perez secured his first front-row start of the season after lapping within a tenth of Verstappen. Lando Norris qualified third for McLaren, while Melbourne winner Carlos Sainz was fourth. Fernando Alonso impressed in fifth for Aston…