Lewis Hamilton says he "feels amazing" after securing his first ever pole position for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.
The Mercedes driver, despite having won the event three times from four appearances – he also won the 2007 US GP at Indianapolis – has never started from pole, with each of his wins coming from second place on the grid.
On Saturday the Briton set a new lap record with a 1m34.999 laptime and is hopeful of transferring that pace into a fifth US victory.
"I feel amazing. My first pole here. It’s been many years of trying and a lot of people who’ve helped me get that," he said.
"For us I want to say a big thanks to the crowd. I could hear them cheering. The energy on the slow down lap was much appreciated.
"We’ve worked hard the last couple weeks. It’s a great feeling to be back up here. I’ll do the best I can tomorrow. Have had some incredible support from friends, family and the crowd. Been practicing the starts all weekend."
Team-mate Nico Rosberg is however confident of a good race and took encouragement from Hamilton's success from second on the grid.
"Lewis was just quicker. Pretty simple. Good lap I did nonetheless," he added. "Annoyed when Lewis came over the line, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Nevertheless, qualifying isn’t all-important. From P2, we still have a good chance tomorrow."
