Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes has edged out defending champion and Formula One points leader Sebastian Vettel to claim pole position for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.
Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, pulled out a best lap of 1min 19.388sec to land his third straight pole and the 30th of his career with Red Bull's Vettel timing 1.19.426.
Frenchman Romain Grosjean in a Lotus was third fastest followed by the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen in a Lotus.
Mark Webber sat out the final session with yet another KERS problem and will start tenth.
Fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo further enhanced his claim to Webber's seat next season by posting the eighth quickest time in his Toro Rosso.
Hamilton claimed his fourth pole of the season.
The 28-year-old Briton pulled off his fastest lap right at the conclusion of a closely-fought session, having battled handling and balance problems on Friday with the new Pirelli tyres.
Hamilton's latest gambit lifted him beyond five-time champion Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio to a career total of 30 poles.
He appeared surprised at the feat after he squeezed ahead of defending triple world champion Vettel at the front of the grid.
"Are we on pole?" he asked on his slowing lap.
"Yeah - and we are as surprised as you, mate!" responded his race engineer.
"Brilliant job, Lewis," said team chief Ross Brawn.
"There wasn't much in it," said Vettel, who nonetheless praised Hamilton. "Lewis did an exceptional job today - you have to hand it to him."
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