Lewis Hamilton takes pole position in Valencia

Lewis Hamilton's resurgence continued at Valencia as the reigning world champion claimed pole position for the European Grand Prix.

Hamilton followed up his first win of the season last time out in Hungary with his first pole. His team mate Heikki Kovalainen took second and Rubens Barrichello claimed third place.

Under-pressure championship leader Jenson Button could only manage fifth, one place behind Sebastien Vettel.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Maurice Hamilton, Observer: "Jenson Button, fifth on the grid for tomorrow's European Grand Prix, may have expected Lewis Hamilton to interfere with the championship by taking his first pole position of the season, but Button's long-term problems may come from closer to home. Rubens Barrichello not only qualified third but also spoke of his serious intent to continue fighting for the title despite being 26 points behind his Brawn team-mate."

Tom Cary, Sunday Telegraph: "Another unspeakably hot day in Valencia ended with the world champion delivering on his bullish talk this week by scorching to pole position for the European Grand Prix."

Malcolm Folley, Mail on Sunday: "While Lewis Hamilton delivered the performance of a world champion yesterday, the man who leads the race to replace him, Jenson Button, made an error he fears will cost him dear in this afternoon's European Grand Prix. Button's brilliance at the start of this season, when he won six of the first seven races, is becoming a distant memory." ·