SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Lewis Hamilton moved level with Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 68 career pole positions after setting a new track record of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, edging Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel by 0.2s.
Hamilton went purple in all three sectors on his run late in Q3 to set a 1:42.553, which was four tenths up on his original effort in the session and 4.1s up on last year's pole time. Mercedes has looked to have the edge all weekend on one-lap pace on a circuit which should suit the German manufacturer's slight power advantage.
It means the three-time world champion could beat Schumacher's pole record at Ferrari's home race, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza next weekend.