Fernando Alonso takes pole position at the British Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso has claimed pole position for Sunday's British Grand Prix after a chaotic qualifying session.

A 92-minute rain delay during the second part of qualifying completely changed proceedings, with Alonso coping best in the hazardous conditions.

Mark Webber and Michael Schumacher followed Alonso home in second and third respectively.

British stars Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will be disappointed with their starting places for Sunday's Silverstone showpiece.

Button continued his poor run in qualifying, only managing to finish 18th after being knocked out during the first session.

Hamilton's McLaren fared better and finished fastest during stage two, but was unable to convert that pace into a strong position as he ended up eighth.

Conditions are sure to be a major factor during tomorrow's race, with Alonso holding the advantage at the front of the grid.

The top ten in full: 1. Alonso 2. Webber 3. Schumacher 4. Vettel 5. Massa 6. Raikkonen 7. Maldonado 8. Hamilton 9. Hulkenburg 10. Grosjean