Vettel closes in on prize with Singapore pole

Sebastian Vettel moved a step closer to becoming Formula One’s youngest back-to-back and double world champion after clinching pole position for tomorrow’s Singapore Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old German was in a class of his own in claiming the top spot for the 11th time from 14 races this year, to move within three of equalling Nigel Mansell’s 1992 record for number of poles in a season.

Vettel’s hot lap of one minute 44.381secs under the bright lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit was a third of a second quicker than Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber.

The pole also extends the team’s run to 15 in a row, with Red Bull closing in on Williams’ astonishing run of 24.