Alonso takes pole for British Grand Prix in Silverstone

By Claas Hennig Jul 9, 2005, 15:22 GMT

Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Renault celebrates his pole position after the qualifying session at Silverstone track in England on Saturday, 09 July 2005. British Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, 10 July. Alonso clocked the fastest time at qualifying session. EPA/ Rainer Jensen

Silverstone, Britain - Championship leader Fernando Alonso in a Renault claimed pole position on Saturday when he posted the fastest time ahead of Sunday's British Formula One Grand Prix in Silverstone.

The Spaniard completed the 5.141-kilometre lap in a time of 1 minute 19.905 seconds.

Kimi Raikkonen was second quickest, .27 seconds behind, but has been penalised 10 places after replacing an engine following Saturday's free practise, moving local hero Jenson Button in a BAR- Honda into the front row on the grid.

The same thing happened to Raikkonen a week ago in France, where he still managed to finish second after starting from 13th. A disappointed Raikkonen said: "That is not the way to become champion. I will just have try my best and drive as fast as I can. There is nothing I can do about it."

Alonso, who obtained his fourth pole position of the season, admitted that he had not expected to start from the front. "It is very good, even though it is a bit unexpected.

"The car felt much better today than it did on Friday. A great result for us."

He once again expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the London bomb blasts on Thursday. "All of us are very sad and we all want to express our respect for all the victims. Sport, especially Formula One, cant do much in such situations, but whatever we can do we will."

He also said that he felt for his main rival, Raikkonen. "What happened to Raikkonen is not fair and it will make it difficult for him."

Juan-Pablo Montoya in the second McLaren was fourth fastest and will start alongside Jarno Trulli in a Toyota from the second row.

Montoya said that he was not worried about problems with his own engine, even though Raikkonen for the second week in succession had to change his.

"That is very disappointing for Raikkonen, but I had no problems. It is difficult for him, but hopefully he get some points and I am hoping for a win."

There was disappointment once again for defending champion Michael Schumacher, who seemed to be trying too much and made some mistakes, ending with the ninth fastest time.

The German though said that the car had some problems, adding that he was still hoping for a good finish. "I am certainly not a particularly good bet for victory, but lets just see what happens."

His teammate, Rubens Barrichello, will start from the third row alongside Italian Giancarlo Fisichella in the second Renault.

The fourth row belongs to Takuma Sato in a Honda and Ralf Schumacher in a Toyota.