Qualifying Report - Bang goes Kimi

Fernando Alonso took pole position for the British Grand Prix after a blown engine on Saturday morning ruined Kimi Raikkonen's chances once again. It was the second consecutive race in which the Finn has had the same problem, which means that he must take a 10-place penalty of the grid on Sunday.

Raikkonen has been the favourite for victory at Silverstone.

Alonso spoiled what would have been a big party for Jenson Button fans with his last minute dash but prior to that the BAR-Honda driver had been on the provisional pole.

"It's a great feeling," said Button. "I think we can do some pretty good things from there and there's always a chance of a podium. If we make a mistake we won't have it but there's a possibility."

The biggest threat to Alonso in the race will probably come from Juan Pablo Montoya in the second McLaren who lines up third on the grid and is keen to get a win under his belt with McLaren after what has been a very difficult season. Montoya will line up alongside Toyota's Jarno Trulli with Rubens Barrichello fifth, Giancarlo Fisichella sixth and Takuma Sato seventh. The top 10 was completed by Ralf and Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve. Mark Webber will start 11th with Raikkonen alongside him.

"It's not the ideal situation again," the Finn said. "There's nothing I can do, I just have to drive as quickly as I can and we'll see what happens. It's not the way to try to win the World Championship. Hopefully it's the last time."