Vettel takes pole for Japanese Grand Prix

SUZUKA, Japan — Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel claimed pole position for the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix after qualifying Sunday. Vettel, who won here last year, will share front row on the grid with Red Bull teammate and championship leader Mark Webber when the race gets underway later Sunday. "The last two races were a little difficult for us," Vettel said. "But we were able to make some improvements to the car. With the horrible weather yesterday it was good that the sun came out today, but the most important part of the race is yet to come." McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton was third fastest on the Suzuka circuit, but starts from eighth place after he was penalized for changing his car's gearbox. "We knew the Red Bull team would be very competitive," Hamilton said. "Unfortunately we had to change the gear box yesterday, but the guys did a fantastic job getting the car ready." Renault driver Robert Kubica starts from third after Hamilton's penalty, while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso who won the last two races is fourth. McLaren's Jenson Button starts from fifth. Hamilton is one of five drivers still in the hunt for the championship, along with Alonso, who is running second and Button. Hamilton needs a strong finish in Japan to keep his championship hopes alive. Heavy rain forced officials to move Saturday's qualifying to race day. The track was still partially wet from Saturday's downpour, but had dried off considerably by the end of qualifying. —AP