1.–
Button, Barrichello, Alonso and Sutil were given five-place grid penalties for speeding under yellow conditions.
These penalties were applied in the order that the infringements had been committed.

2.–
Kovalainen crashed at the Degner Curve in Q3.
He changed his gearbox after the session, resulting in a five-place grid penalty.

3.–
Buemi crashed during the final moments of Q2 and was unable to set a time in Q3.

4.–
Buemi was given a five-place grid penalty and a reprimand for driving a damaged car and impeding other drivers.

5.–
Glock failed to set a time during Q2 after going off at the final corner.
He was injured in the accident, and was withdrawn from the race on Sunday morning.

6.–
Alguersuari crashed during the second phase of qualifying, prompting the session to be red-flagged.

7.–
Liuzzi was given a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change.

8.–
Webber damaged his car in the final practice session and was unable to take to the circuit in qualifying.
 He started from the pit lane with a new chassis.
1.– Button, Barrichello, Alonso and Sutil were given five-place grid penalties for speeding under yellow conditions. These penalties were applied in the order that the infringements had been committed.
2.– Kovalainen crashed at the Degner Curve in Q3. He changed his gearbox after the session, resulting in a five-place grid penalty.
3.– Buemi crashed during the final moments of Q2 and was unable to set a time in Q3.
4.– Buemi was given a five-place grid penalty and a reprimand for driving a damaged car and impeding other drivers.
5.– Glock failed to set a time during Q2 after going off at the final corner. He was injured in the accident, and was withdrawn from the race on Sunday morning.
6.– Alguersuari crashed during the second phase of qualifying, prompting the session to be red-flagged.
7.– Liuzzi was given a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change.
8.– Webber damaged his car in the final practice session and was unable to take to the circuit in qualifying.  He started from the pit lane with a new chassis.
2009 Japanese Grand Prix