Defending champion Lewis Hamilton made it eight pole positions from nine races in his Mercedes this season when he posted the fastest qualifying time for Sunday's British Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit in Silverstone.

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team's British driver Lewis Hamilton (R) celebrates taking pole with second placed teammate German driver Nico Rosberg (L) after the qualifying session at the Silverstone circuit in Silverstone on July 4, 2015 ahead of the British Formula One Grand Prix. Photo: AFP

The 30-year-old -- who won this race last year -- had struggled in practice on Friday but put those problems firmly behind him to take pole ahead of his team-mate Nico Rosberg.