Formula One: Rosberg Beats Verstappen To Belgian Pole

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th August, 2016) - Nico Rosberg boosted his hopes of regaining control of the world championship on Saturday when he claimed pole position for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix. Taking full advantage of his championship-leading Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton's multiple grid penalties, that have consigned him to the back of the grid, the 31-year-old German delivered a well-judged performance to complete a hat-trick of poles. It was Rosberg's fifth pole this season and the 28th of his career - and gives him a great chance to reduce, or even overhaul, Hamilton's 19-point lead in the drivers' title race.

Dutch teenager and local hero Max Verstappen was second to become the youngest front-row starter in Formula One history ahead of Finn Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari. Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel was fourth in the second Ferrari ahead of Australian Daniel Ricciardo in the second Red Bull. Sergio Perez was sixth ahead of his Force India team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams, Jenson Button of McLaren-Honda and Felipe Massa in the second Williams.