Lewis Hamilton says he is "very proud" to have matched Michael Schumacher's pole position record, on the 25th anniversary of the German's first ever Formula 1 victory, which came at the same circuit.
Ross Brawn, who has worked closely with both Schumacher and Hamilton, delivered a message of congratulations from the Schumacher family after qualifying.
Hamilton set an all-time lap record of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on Saturday – a 1:42.553 – and in doing so secured his 68th pole position, putting him equal with the seven-time world champion, which left the Briton with a unique feeling.
"It’s a special day definitely, to be honest I knew that it was on the horizon and at some stage I’d be getting that 68th pole but I really hadn’t thought about it much – it could come soon, take a long time, now being there it’s very… it’s an unusual place to be.
"I came here in 1996, my first grand prix, watching Michael come by out of Turn 1 and the engine just roared, vibrating, shook my rib cage, it was incredible, it's when my love for the sport took another step, now I’m equalling him on poles.
"It’s very surreal, very much a humbling experience knowing Michael’s such a legend, it’s an incredible feat he’s achieved and I feel very proud to be up there with him."
Team-mate Valtteri Bottas congratulated his team-mate, but admitted he didn't know why he was off the pace compared to Hamilton's time.
"First of all congrats to Lewis for the pole. I’ve only got two, so some way to go!
"This whole weekend for some reason I’ve not really been close enough to challenge for the pole, Lewis has been really on it, but I’m slightly confused why I’ve not been able to get quite close enough, still need to find some answers for me."
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