Motorsport: Hamilton bags pole at Silverstone

Lewis Hamilton on track during qualifying for the Formula One British Grand Prix. Photo / Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton has taken pole position for his home British Grand Prix for the third year in a row on Sunday with a sensational lap that left him one step away from Michael Schumacher's Formula One record.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen will join the Mercedes driver on the front row, with championship-leading team mate Sebastian Vettel qualifying third.

Hamilton chalked up the 67th pole of his career, and sixth of the season, with every chance of equalling Schumacher's 68 before the August break.

The triple world champion has won the last three British Grands Prix and starts as favourite to equal the late Jim Clark's feat of four home wins in a row, and five in total, on Monday.

Australia's Daniel Ricciardo will start the race in 19th position - second-last on the grid - after he got a five-place penalty for having an illegally changed gearbox.