GREATER NOIDA, India – Sebastian Vettel closed in on his fourth straight Formula One title Saturday by claiming pole position at the Indian Grand Prix.
Vettel only needs to finish fifth or better Sunday to wrap up the championship, and claimed his third straight pole at Buddh International Circuit. The German has won both previous Indian GP races, leading every lap.
Nico Rosberg will share the front of the grid after finishing second in Saturday's qualifying, with fellow Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton third and Red Bull's Mark Webber fourth.
Felipe Massa starts from fifth, while Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso could only manage eighth.
Romain Grosjean, who was expected to challenge for the podium, was eliminated in the first round of qualifying.
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