Formula One news

Fifth pole position for Hamilton

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway from his fifth Formula 1 career pole position. In Saturday's difficult qualifying with a wet track and poor visibility, Lewis put in a time of 1m25.368. Fernando Alonso qualified second fastest with 1m25.438 and made it the fifth all Vodafone McLaren Mercedes front row of the year.

Speaking about his pole position Lewis Hamilton said: "A very good qualifying for me and also the team. I really like the Fuji circuit. We looked strong already yesterday during practice when it was dry. Obviously today's wet conditions made it a very challenging session particularly as this morning's free practice had been cancelled - this makes today's result even more satisfying.

"The car ran perfectly, and the team has done a great job in making sure we were as prepared as possible. My final lap was quite good. I managed to improve my style in a couple of corners which made a difference but lost a little bit of time in the exit of the last corner. Today's pole position is important, but tomorrow is when it counts."

Fernando Alonso was less enthusiastic but still happy with his qualifying result in front row. "Today's qualifying was OK for me," said Alonso. "Of course, pole position would have been better, but I am satisfied to start from the front row which will be a good basis for the race. I have always liked driving in the wet, so I enjoyed today's qualifying. It's very challenging, and I think it will be an exciting race tomorrow as our main competitors are incredibly close and have been both in the dry and wet conditions.

"The Bridgestone wet tyre has been working well for us today. Obviously I will do what I can to take the lead but also be sensible as it's not in anybody's interest not to finish the race. I am happy with the team's performance, and the work we have done so far this weekend and look forward to the race tomorrow."

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