Happy Vettel expecting tricky race because of dust on the circuit

The German will start from the top spot for the 13th time this year, meaning he will tie the record for most poles in a season if he emerges on top again in the next race.

Vettel was delighted with his pole but he admitted that, with the track still very dusty off line, the race could prove quite a challenge.

"We all want to race, both the people who are in the front of the field and the people who get lapped," said Vettel.

"We all want to stay on the racing line and drive like that the whole race, so it could be tricky because off line it is quite dusty and it depends on where you forced to go off line or to lap other car, or make a pass.

"It could be critical for the next few corners, not just that corner but also after that to get the tyres back to the grip level you had before. Once the dust is gone, the asphalt is very grippy and the cars stick to the ground."

He added: "I think it was a good session for us. It was tricky for all of us. The car has been fantastic since yesterday. I am extremely happy. It's good to be here. It will be a very interesting race. It's a challenging circuit so I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Vettel, whose Red Bull team has vowed to help Mark Webber secure second place in the standings, refused to confirm he will let his team-mate through if necessary on Sunday.

"We will see. It is a long race and Lewis starts in fifth, I think, with Fernando behind, Jenson behind, they surely will put a lot of pressure on us. It's a long race and a new track, and we don't know how the tyres will respond.

"Mark and myself target to win the race, ideally with a one-two, so it will be an interesting race tomorrow."