(CNN) -- Two-time champion Fernando Alonso claimed pole position for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix with a blistering last lap in qualifying.
Alonso, fifth in the driver rankings, rounded the circuit in one minute 21.962 seconds at the famous Monza racetrack to claim his maiden pole for Ferrari
"It's a fantastic place, to have pole position in Italy for Ferrari," said Alonso, who was the only driver to break the one minute 22 second barrier.
Defending champion Jenson Button was second fastest for McLaren in one minute and 22.084 seconds, ahead of Alonso's Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa.
Button said: "I'm happy to be second. It's the first time on the front row this season so a step forward. It's a good start and hopefully it will be a competitive race".
Next came Australian Mark Webber of Red Bull, Briton Lewis Hamilton in the second McLaren and sixth-placed German Sebastian Vettel in the second Red Bull.
CNN
