Happy to secure pole but it will be a close race: Vettel

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Defending champion Sebastian Vettel is a satisfied man, at least for now, as he claimed the pole position today in the Indian Grand Prix, four places ahead of his nearest title contender Fernando Alonso but said it will be a close race tomorrow irrespective of the advantage over his rival driver from Ferrari.

It was the fifth pole position of the season for Vettel, whose three consecutive wins have propelled him to the top of the table in the drivers' standings, just six points ahead of Alonso (206).

Vettel's flying lap of 1:25.283 in Q3 secured him the pole, his 35th in the career and will be joined on the front row by team-mate Mark Webber, who was just 0.34s behind.

Lewis Hamilton (1:25.544) was third, followed by Jenson Button (1:25.659) while Alonso, with a fastest lap of 1:25.773, managed fifth position.

"I am happy to be here. The car was fantastic. It was very good and it was good that we could work everything well today. I could have been faster, but it has been a great weekend so far. We started the weekend much better than last year," Vettel told reporters at the post qualifying session press conference at the Buddh International Circuit here.

"We have to keep pushing. Today we had a very good result. It is the best position to start from as it will be a hard race tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is the main day. It is best to have Fernando behind me than ahead, but you never know. Tomorrow will be a long, close race," the cautioned-looking German added.

In the inaugural Indian GP last year also Vettel secured the pole position and then went on to win the race, and come tomorrow, the Red Bull driver has no qualms in admitting that the BIC has become one of his favourite circuits in just two-year time.

"Last year was pretty special to be the first winner of the race in India. But let's see what happens tomorrow.

"I like the circuit. It suits our car. It has nice fast flowing corners towards the end of the lap and there are plenty of opportunities to overtake as well," Vettel said.

Webber, who will start second on the grid, has already sounded a warning to his team-mate Vettel, saying the position augurs well for his winning chances tomorrow.

"I have won from second position on the grid more times (5) than I have won from pole in my career (4)," Webber said.

"I have done my best but it was difficult because I had no grip in the first sector."

Third-placed Hamilton of McLaren-Mercedes said he is hoping for an improved performance tomorrow, especially after a poor showing in the last three races.

"Third is a great position to start from. The car was relatively good but it was tricky to work out the right strategy. I could have done better in the first sector. But overall it was a good job by the team," Hamilton said.

"It will be a good race tomorrow. The last couple of races have been difficult. So I am looking for a race without issues tomorrow," the Briton added.