Alonso seizes pole position in China

SHANGHAI, Sep 30 (Reuters) World champion Fernando Alonso boosted his Formula One title chances today by taking pole position on an all-Renault front row at a rain-swept Chinese Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, two points behind the Spaniard in the standings with three races remaining, will start a distant sixth.

The pole position was Renault's 50th in Formula One and Alonso's 15th but first since Canada in June, a race he went on to win comfortably.

Alonso's Italian team mate Giancarlo Fisichella lines up alongside him on the front row, with Honda's Brazilian Rubens Barrichello and Briton Jenson Button behind the Renaults.

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen qualified fifth on an afternoon when tyres made all the difference. Schumacher was the only driver on Bridgestone rubber in the top 10.

REUTERS AB PM1345