Hamilton claims Spain pole

For the first time this season, Hamilton will started a Formula 1 race from the front. On Saturday, the Englishman bested standings leader Nico Rosberg by three-tenths of a second.

Hamilton, who has been beset by mechanical problems this year, is hoping to break a seven-race winless streak.

"I'm very happy," Hamilton said. "The car was great. Yesterday was a bit of a difficult day, so to be able to start on the right foot today is a real blessing."

Rosberg is gunning to win his eighth straight win and extend his 43-point lead in the drivers' standings.

"For sure I'm disappointed to be second," Rosberg said. "Fortunately, it's the race that counts, so there are still a couple of opportunities tomorrow. The start, for example, and strategy-wise it's not going to be an easy race, so I'll try to take my chances."

Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Dutch teenager Max Verstappen, both of Red Bull, will occupy the second row. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel will start fifth and sixth.