'Never in a million years' - Hamilton grabs 80th pole as Vettel flounders

World champion Lewis Hamilton roared to pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix as Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel slumped to eighth after a horror showing in Saturday's qualifying.

Lewis, who leads Vettel by 50 points with five races left this season, led a Mercedes front-row lockout and will start as the hot favourite to tighten his stranglehold on the Formula One championship in Sunday's race at Suzuka.

The Briton's record-extending 80th career pole never looked in doubt after his rampant form in completing a clean sweep of free practice earlier in the day.

"I can't believe I have 80 poles," said Hamilton, who has won five of the last six races.

"Never in a million years did I think I'd get 80. When it comes to being under pressure and making the right decisions, that's why we are the best team in the world."
- 'Battle over' -
=================
"I could feel the car was jumping around, it didn't feel healthy. It's just frustrating -- I've cooled down a little bit but it's pretty painful. I just can't catch a break at the moment."