Lewis Hamilton has admitted that his opening lap in Q3 proved crucial after he secured pole position for Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Qualifying in Sepang began in sunny conditions before a storm hit the track which caused a 30-minute delay, but after the action resumed, Hamilton recorded his fastest lap to put the pressure on his rivals.

The 30-year-old told reporters: "The first lap was quite good. It was difficult because none of us have gone out and driven in the wet so the first lap is always the unknown so you don't want to take too many risks to ensure you record the lap. You need a banker.

"The next one was up at one stage before I lost it at the end, but it's another fantastic job by the team to have us back at the top again."

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel joins Hamilton on the front row of the grid, with Nico Rosberg a place further back in third.