Vettel takes pole for Japanese GP

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel has claimed pole position for the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, qualifying ahead of teammate Mark Webber today.

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel has claimed pole position for the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, qualifying ahead of teammate Mark Webber on Saturday.

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Vettel, a two-time winner in Japan, secured his fourth consecutive pole at Suzuka and will be in a good position in Sunday's race to further erode the championship lead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

Red Bull's championship rivals will all start the race several places back after a yellow caution flag in the final moments of qualifying prevented them getting in a flying lap.

McLaren driver Jenson Button qualified third but will start eighth due to a gearbox replacement penalty.

Alonso was seventh while Mercedes-bound Lewis Hamilton of McLaren was ninth and Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen tenth.