Record pole for world champ Vettel

The 24-year-old German, who had equalled Nigel Mansell's 1992 record of 14 in a single season at the previous race in Abu Dhabi, led Australian team-mate Mark Webber in a front row sweep for the champions.

"Yes Baby, We've got it. This feels incredible" he yelled over the team radio on his slowing down lap after a dry qualifying session despite the threat of rain. "I was very emotional when I crossed the line because I knew this was all I had, I gave it all.

"It's really special, different to the other poles," added Vettel, who wrapped up his second title last month with four races to spare, of his 30th career pole.  Vettel was the only driver to lap inside one minute and 12 seconds, with a best lap of 1:11.918 compared to Webber's 1:12.099.

McLaren's Jenson Button will start in third place, next to fellow-Briton and team mate Lewis Hamilton, after his best qualifying performance at Interlagos in six years.

Adrian Sutil will start in eighth for Sahara Force India. Paul di Resta could not go beyond Q2 and will start in 11th.