Norris poised for big leap in title race with Sao Paulo pole

SAO PAULO :McLaren's Formula One leader Lando Norris seized the moment as his title rivals stumbled on Saturday to put himself on course for a big leap in the championship battle.

After winning the Sao Paulo sprint to go nine points clear of teammate Oscar Piastri who crashed, the Briton got back on track to seize a brilliant pole position for Sunday's main grand prix at Interlagos.

Australian Piastri, his closest rival, qualified fourth.

Red Bull's reigning champion Max Verstappen, third overall in the standings but now 39 points behind, will line up 16th after his worst qualifying in nearly four years.

Mercedes' 19-year-old Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli joined Norris on the front row with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc qualifying third.

NORRIS WAS ONLY 10TH AFTER FIRST EFFORT 

"I think it’s going to be a big challenge tomorrow. We have to see what the weather is going to do again," said Norris. "So far this weekend has been clean, so I’m hoping they (Antonelli and Leclerc) don’t ruin it." 

Piastri had been on provisional pole following the first flying laps in the final phase of qualifying, with Norris only 10th after locking up into turn one.

With the pressure all on him, and one lap to pull something out of the bag, Norris produced the perfect response to go top with a lap of one minute 09.511 seconds.

Antonelli was 0.174 slower, pushing Leclerc and Piastri down the order.

"A bit disappointing with the result but the car has looked quick this weekend, especially over a longer run, so hopefully I can take advantage of that tomorrow," said Piastri.

French rookie Isack Hadjar was an impressive fifth, ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and Racing Bulls' teammate Liam Lawson.

Oliver Bearman qualified eighth fastest for Haas, ahead of