Vettel takes pole for European GP, giving Red Bull the top spot for 8th time in 9 races

Vettel takes pole in European GP

VALENCIA, Spain — Sebastian Vettel has won the pole for the European Grand Prix after posting the fastest time in qualifying.

Vettel drove a lap of 1 minute, 37.587 seconds Saturday to give Red Bull its eighth pole in nine races this season.

Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber was second, with Lewis Hamilton of McLaren third.

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher was eliminated after the second qualifying round, meaning he was unable to compete for the pole.

Home favorite Fernando Alonso of Ferrari was fourth, with teammate Felipe Massa fifth.

Hamilton leads the standings with 109 points, followed by Jenson Button on 106 points. Webber is third on 103 points, ahead of Alonso on 94 and Vettel on 90.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel has posted the fastest lap in the final practice session ahead of qualifying for the European Grand Prix.

Vettel’s lap of 1 minute, 38.052 seconds was 0.102 seconds faster than Renault’s Robert Kubica at the 3.4-mile Valencia street circuit Saturday. Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber was third, 0.261 seconds behind.

Adrian Sutil of Force India was fourth. Fernando Alonso, who was quickest on Friday, was fifth fastest.

World champion Jenson Button was ninth and championship leader Lewis Hamilton was 10th.

Hamilton has 109 points in the standings, followed by Button on 106 points. Webber is third on 103 points, ahead of Alonso on 94 and Vettel on 90.

Qualifying for Sunday’s race is later Saturday.