Lewis Hamilton insists he is geared up to win the World Championship title, as the McLaren driver snatched pole in Japan.

Hamilton was delighted with clinching pole at the Fuji Speedway, having shot to the top of the timesheet with a late 1min 18.404seconds, pushing Kimi Raikkonen on 1:18.644 into second-place in his Ferrari.

"This was quite a bit different to qualifying in Singapore," Hamilton told The Independent.

"Q1 went pretty well and also Q2, but we didn't seem to be as quick as Felipe. In Q3 my first lap wasn't great but I managed to put all the sectors together on my second,” said the Briton, after he finished Q1 and Q2 qualifying sessions with second- and third-fastest times respectively.

“The team has done a phenomenal job. There's always been a buzz here, they are fantastic, and when you see it first hand, it's very impressive. I'm very happy.”

Hamilton is also pleased with the Fuji Speedway circuit, praising the atmosphere and the track.

"I like Fuji, the atmosphere here is so good and the people are among the nicest I have met. The track is cool and the whole feeling here is good,” he added.

When asked about the McLaren strategy during Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed the team will do the same as they did during qualifying.

He said: "Going into Q3 we had already decided what our strategy would be, we had very good pace and were able to outqualify the Ferraris, which is very important for us.

“We are in the perfect position to make a step forward and score as many points as possible, me and Heikki, but it's going to be a tough race with Kimi there, and Fernando as we can see is also very strong."

Despite being in strong contention for the World Championship title, Hamilton insisted he wants to focus on Sunday’s race, but added he is “ready to win the Championship”.

"I just try to take each race as it comes. Compared to last year I am more ready to win the Championship and it is within my grasp, but it is important to continue with the momentum that we have and I will approach the race the way I have all the others this season," he revealed.

Catch all the Raceday action at the Fuji Speedway on STAR Sports at 1130HKT!