SHANGHAI, Oct 15: World champion Fernando Alonso will start Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix from pole position, giving Renault a crucial advantage in their battle with McLaren for the constructors’ title.

The McLarens were quicker through all four practice sessions here but Renault upset their momentum in qualifying.

Alonso’s teammate Giancarlo Fisichella secured second on the grid for Renault’s first all front row of the season, sending them into the last race of an enthralling campaign full of confidence.

Kimi Raikkonen in a McLaren will start third and his teammate Juan Pablo Montoya fifth. Briton Jenson Button pushed his BAR-Honda into fourth with former world champion Michael Schumacher giving Ferrari encouragement in sixth.

Renault hold a two-point lead in the constructors standings after 18 races but McLaren have been more consistent in the close season, slowly narrowing the gap to set up an exciting finale.—Agencies