Motor racing: Rosberg under investigation after Monaco pole ahead of Hamilton

Mercedes' German driver Nico Rosberg drives at the Monaco street circuit during the qualifying session of the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on May 24, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP
Mercedes' German driver Nico Rosberg drives at the Monaco street circuit during the qualifying session of the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on May 24, 2014. -- PHOTO: AFP

MONACO (REUTERS) - Germany's Nico Rosberg took a controversial pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday, after an incident that denied unhappy Mercedes team-mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton the chance to beat him.

Formula One stewards opened an immediate investigation into Rosberg's lock-up at the Mirabeau corner in the dying seconds that brought out the yellow warning flags at a crucial moment in qualifying.

Hamilton, winner of the last four races, had to settle for second place after aborting his final lap. "I thought it was over," a smiling Rosberg, last year's winner and Hamilton's closest title rival, told reporters.

"I'm happy it worked out. Pole at home is fantastic - it couldn't be better.

"Of course I'm sorry for what happened to Lewis. I didn't know where exactly he was. But once I was reversing I didn't see who was coming up. Of course it's not great, but that's the way it is," he added.

Hamilton said, a forced smile on his face, that it was "ironic" for his rival to secure pole in such a fashion.

The Briton has a three-point lead over Rosberg after five races, all won by dominant Mercedes who have also started all from pole.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo will start in third place for Red Bull with quadruple world champion team mate Sebastian Vettel alongside on the second row.

The Ferrari pairing of Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen filled the third row.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.