Lewis Hamilton earns pole for Malaysian Grand Prix

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has earned pole position for the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The reigning world champion, who won in Australia two weeks ago, edged out Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel by a narrow margin, with Nico Rosberg only qualifying in third.

Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat were fourth and fifth respectively for Red Bull, while 17-year-old Max Verstappen earned sixth place in the Toro Rosso.

A deluge of rain prevented Kimi Raikkonen making Q3, with the Finn being forced to settle for 11th, while the McLaren duo of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso could only qualify in 17th and 18th place.

Full standings:

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 3. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) 5. Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) 6. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) 7. Felipe Massa (Williams) 8. Valtteri Bottas (Williams) 9. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) 10. Romain Grosjean (Lotus) 11. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 12. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus) 13. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) 14. Sergio Perez (Force India) 15. Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso) 16. Felipe Nasr (Sauber) 17. Jenson Button (McLaren) 18. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) 19. Roberto Merhi (Manor Marussia) 20. Will Stevens (Manor Marussia)