Valencia: Sebastian Vettel claimed his third straight pole position for Red Bull at the Formula One European Grand Prix qualifying here Saturday while Sahara Force India's Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta set the eighth and 10th fastest time.
Vettel was fastest with 1:38.086 in a very competitive Q3, taking his third pole of the season. McLaren's Lewis Hamilton clocked 1:38.410 to pip Pastor Maldonado for the second place. The Venezuelan timed 1:38.475 in his Williams.
Di Resta, who was third quickest in Q2 and was placed top five in the final session, was pushed back on the grid along with Hulkenberg. Both Force Indias recorded 1:38.752
and 1:38.992.
India's Narain Karthikeyan will start Sunday's race in 22nd place ahead of the two Marussias. He managed 1:42.527 which was slower than his teammate Pedro de la Rosa's 1:42.171. (IANS)
