Indianapolis: McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton continued the sensational start to his Formula One career by capturing his second consecutive pole in qualifying for the US Grand Prix on Saturday.

The British rookie clocked the best time of one minute 12.331 seconds in the final session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to pip teammate and double world champion Fernando Alonso of Spain.

The 22-year-old finished 0.169secs ahead of Alonso.

Alonso was fastest in practice and the first two qualifying sessions but was blown away in the third.

The Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen will make up the second row.

Afterwards, a delighted Hamilton admitted he was rather surprised to find himself on the second pole of his career.

Sunday’s race will be the third in a row with an all-McLaren front row.