Kevin Magnussen claims maiden pole for Haas as rain disrupts Brazil qualifying

Kevin Magnussen took full advantage of dramatically changing wet conditions to secure a sensational maiden pole position on his 100th Formula 1 appearance for the Haas team in Friday's qualifying for this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

As heavy rain descended on the Interlagos circuit, the final Q3 session ended in euphoric uproar with the popular and modest 30-year-old Dane sitting in his car celebrating while the clock ran down.

He became the first Danish pole-sitter and the first to achieve the feat for the Haas team in his 140th Grand Prix and his team's 143rd.

Magnussen clocked a best lap in 1:11.674 before a final rainstorm wreaked havoc during which Mercedes' George Russell crashed out and was left in a gravel trap.

He also became the fourth driver to claim a maiden pole position this year, following Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and George Russell.

Rockstars! #BrazilGP @HaasF1Team pic.twitter.com/a4JhvCFbdF

Loss for words

World champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull was second quickest ahead of Russell and McLaren's Lando Norris.

Carlos Sainz of Ferrari was fifth ahead of Esteban Ocon and his Alpine teammate two-time champion Fernando Alonso, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, Segio Perez of Red Bull and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

"I don't know what to say," said Magnussen. "The team put me out on the track at exactly the right moment. First out of the pit lane. It is incredible!"

Asked to reveal his plan for Saturday's sprint race, he grinned. "Maximum attack! Let's go for something really funny."

Verstappen and Russell warmly congratulated the Dane who appeared almost bemused by his feat. "It's incredible," said Magnussen.

After a bright, warm morning, qualifying began in damp conditions, following a rainstorm,