Vettel on pole after Perez crash

Sebastian Vettel made it five poles in six grands prix this season, albeit from a qualifying session marred by a frightening accident involving Mexican rookie Sergio Perez.

In the top-10 shoot-out for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, Vettel had just scorched to the top of the timesheet with a lap of one minute 13.556 seconds when Perez smashed into a barrier at the harbour chicane.

The session had to be halted for a total of 38 minutes as Perez was first treated trackside before being taken to a nearby medical centre, following which repairs were carried out to the barrier.

With two minutes and 26 seconds remaining at that time, it left Lewis Hamilton in trouble as he had yet to set a timed lap by the time of the accident.

Hamilton initially qualified seventh, with Perez's accident playing havoc with his strategy, although his lap time has since been scrubbed and he will start ninth.

Jenson Button is second on the grid and Mark Webber third. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who had looked the man to beat during practice, could only manage fourth in his Ferrari, with Michael Schumacher fifth ahead of the second Ferrari of Felipe Massa.

Nico Rosberg in his Mercedes will start seventh, with Pastor Maldonado eighth in his Williams.

It was later confirmed that Perez suffered concussion and a sprained thigh following his sickening accident and will not compete in the race.

Team principal Peter Sauber said: "Of course we are very relieved Sergio wasn't seriously injured. Up to the accident he was doing very well in qualifying, and also better than expected as he had outperformed all his direct competitors."