18 Mar 2012

Hamilton on pole, McLaren lock up front row

8:14 am on 18 March 2012

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton has taken pole position for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix ahead of team-mate Jenson Button as world champion Sebastian Vettel was banished to the third row of the grid.

The Briton's best lap of one minute 24.922 seconds put him just ahead of compatriot and fellow former world champion Button, who was second quickest in 1.25.074 and will make up an all-McLaren front row for the first time since 2009.

French driver Romain Grosjean sprung the biggest surprise by steering his Lotus to the third fastest lap and he will line up alongside the Mercedes of seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher on the second row.

Vettel, who claimed a record 15 pole positions last season including on his way to victory at Albert Park, was sixth fastest just behind his Red Bull team mate and Australia's great hope Mark Webber in fifth.

It was a major setback for a team that took 18 poles in 19 races last year and Sunday will mark the first time they will not have a driver on the front row since the 2010 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.