Lewis Hamilton followed the script by setting an assured pole lap to head the field for tomorrow's Chinese Grand Prix.

It is predicted to rain tomorrow and possibly Lewis is running a fraction lighter than the other guys at the sharp end but his pole lap was faultless and the first time over this weekend that he managed to string together a faultless lap. Possibly his strategy will be based around running comparitively light so that he can head the field with a clear path in the rain.

Kimi had been quickest all weekend and was a whisker behind in 2nd but one would imagine he is running slightly heavier and Felipe headed Fernando - makign the reigning World Champion's task tomorrow a tough ask.

Note fantastic performance by DC in 5th!! Life in the old dog yet! Also Ralf seems to be highly motivated in 6th - best qualifying position of the year - after announcing his departure from Toyota at the season. Also a strong performance by Button in 10th with the recalcitrant Honda - albeit 3.6 secs off pole.

Qualifying results:

1 L. Hamilton (GBR)Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - 1:35.908 2 K. Räikkönen (FIN)Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro - 1:36.044 3 F. Massa (BRA) Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro - 1:36.221 4 F Alonso (ESP) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - 1:36.576 5 D. Coulthard (GBR) Red Bull Racing - 1:37.619 6 R. Schumacher (GER) Panasonic Toyota Racing1:38.013 7 M. Webber (AUS)Red Bull Racing - 1:38.153 8 N. Heidfeld (GER) BMW Sauber F1 Team - 1:38.455 9 R. Kubica (POL) BMW Sauber F1 Team - 1:38.472 10 J. Button (GBR) Honda Racing F1 Team - 1:39.285

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