Alonso snatches pole for Italian GP

Updated 15.07 Sat Sep 08 2007

Keywords: Ferrari, Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Formula One, sport

Fernando Alonso has claimed pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, edging out McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton in rivals Ferrari's own backyard.

Alonso was just 0.037 seconds faster than Hamilton in final qualifying at Monza as he sealed his third pole of the campaign and first since the race in Monaco in May.

"Hopefully we can do our job in the race and finish ahead of everyone" - Fernando Alonso

The Spaniard, whose McLaren team could face the renewed threat of punishment after new evidence was uncovered in the so-called 'spygate' sga, said: "I've had many second places, but finally I have pole.

"We've been quick all weekend, we're extremely quick here at Monza. Hopefully we can do our job in the race and finish ahead of everyone."

Kimi Raikkonen achieved his lowest qualifying place of the campaign in fifth, behind Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa, who was third fastest, and Nick Heidfeld's BMW Sauber.

But the Finn had to use the spare Ferrari after walking away from a 200mph smash in final practice which saw his original car virtually destroyed.

Robert Kubica was sixth fastest in his BMW Sauber, coming home ahead of Renault's Heikki Kovalainen, the Williams of Nico Rosberg, Toyota's Jarno Trulli, while Jenson Button was tenth fastest in his Honda.

But David Coulthard's qualifying woes continued after the veteran Red Bull driver spun at turn one.