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Red Bull driver Vettel wins pole at European GP

Published: June 23, 2012 Comment on this article

VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel will start from the pole at the European Grand Prix for the third straight year.

The two-time defending Formula One champion has won the race the past two seasons. He had the fastest lap Saturday, finishing in 1 minute, 38.086 seconds on Valencia's 3.3-mile street circuit.

photo - Red Bull Racing Team Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel from Germany steers his car during the third free practice session at Valencia street circuit, Spain, Saturday, June 23, 2012. The race European Formula One Grand Prix will take place on Sunday over the street circuit surrounding the city's port. (AP Photo/Fernando Hernandez)

Red Bull Racing Team Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel from Germany steers his car during the third free practice session at Valencia street circuit, Spain, Saturday, June 23, 2012. The race European Formula One Grand Prix will take place on Sunday over the street circuit surrounding the city's port. (AP Photo/Fernando Hernandez)

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Lewis Hamilton of McLaren is also on the front row for Sunday's race. Pastor Maldonado of Williams will start third.

Ferrari pair Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and Michael Schumacher of Mercedes failed to reach the third qualifying session. Schumacher, a seven-time F1 champion, will start between the pair in 12th place.

Vettel's teammate, Mark Webber, was eliminated after the first period because of mechanical trouble. He will start 19th.