Felipe Massa declared that qualifying fastest for the historic Singapore Grand Prix was one of his best efforts of the season.
The Brazilian's superb last lap under the lights at the Marina Bay street circuit, in which he clocked a time of one minute 44.801 seconds, meant he dislodged McLaren's Lewis Hamilton at the top.
Massa goes into Sunday's race trailing Hamilton by just a single point in the drivers' standings and should either of the duo secure victory in Formula One's first night race they will take a crucial advantage into the final three grands prix of the season.
"It was possibly my best qualifying of the season," said Massa, who has won five races this year.
"Given my margin over the others, with hindsight it's easy to say maybe I could have run with slightly more fuel, but we firmly believe we have a very competitive strategy.
"At every corner, at every braking point I tried to get the most out of the car and I think I managed it.
"The harder tyres have seemed better since yesterday and that's why we went in that direction."
Massa admitted that concentration on the challenging circuit will be crucial on Sunday if he is to maintain his place at the front throughout.
And the Brazilian explained the track will pose a tougher challenge than that of Monaco.
"The track is very difficult and requires total concentration lap after lap because there is no room for error," he added. "It's much harder here than in Monaco.
"I'm pleased to be the first driver to be on pole for this Grand Prix, taking place in such a special and unusual atmosphere: I hope I can do even better tomorrow."
Massa's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen finished third, a position that had looked unlikely after some frustrating performances during practice, and the Finn was pleased with his performance.
"All things considered, this is a good result," said Raikkonen. "Of course, you always hope to be in front of everyone but third place is not so bad.
"I probably suffered a bit because of the time lost this morning with a technical problem which ended my free practice session ahead of time.
"The track is very demanding with many places where you really feel the bumps and you have to maintain concentration all the time.
"Tomorrow I will do my best for myself and for the team."
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