Hamilton takes pole position for Australian Grand Prix

The McLaren driver overcame mechanical problems and a congested track to gain the upper hand for tomorrow's race in Melbourne.

Hamilton recorded a best lap of one minute 26.714 seconds to edge out BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica by 0.155secs. McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen was third.

World champion Kimi Raikkonen had to settle for a lowly 16th on the grid after a fuel pump problem caused him to stop in the pitlane during the first qualifying session.

"It was a great qualifying session," Hamilton said. "It was a bit nerve-racking at the beginning and we didn't really get a great lap.

"We were held up a bit and it wasn't really easy to find the gap, it was a lot harder than I have experienced in the past.

"But we managed to find some sort of a gap towards the end and I was able to get reasonably decent lap - but I still felt that I lost a little bit of time."

The 23-year-old also paid tribute to his team after they worked through the night to rectify glitches with both his and Kovalainen's cars.

"Last night we had a couple of problems but the team were ready to do whatever they needed and they pushed very hard to get the car set up properly and be out there," he added.

"Really, for the start of the season, it couldn't be a better position for both of us."

Raikkonen was understandably downcast following his qualifying misery.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "I had a problem with the electronic fuel pump a few corners from the end of my in-lap, which forced me to stop near the pitlane.

"It was impossible to get back to the garage to try to fix the problem."

Hamilton hit the front halfway through Qualifying Three only to be surpassed by Kubica, who despite running considerably wide at turn 12, still edged out the Briton with a time of 1:26.869.

But the time lost due to an unscheduled trip over the grass ultimately proved the difference as the Pole's hopes of taking pole were dashed.

Nevertheless, he was still pleased with the outcome.

"We have struggled a bit with the car, which we were not expecting, but the team have done a fantastic job," he said.

"Yesterday we faced some problems but this morning was much better and qualifying proved that we have good pace.

"I took the risk in pushing very hard on the last lap in Q3, which did not pay off as I went off in turn 12. I lost more than two tenths, which cost me pole. But the race is very long."

Kovalainen was also reasonably happy with his competitive debut for McLaren despite trailing his team-mate by three tenths of a second.

"I didn't manage to nail the perfect lap," said the Finn.

I'm satisfied, of course, but there is still room for improvement.

"All of the qualifying sessions were very good for me, odd mistakes here and there but it just happens, you just have to iron them out.

"I think we are looking strong for the race."