Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel celebrates after claiming pole position on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Championship leader Sebastian Vettel admitted it felt "fantastic" to lead Ferrari to their first front row lock out in nine years after he took pole position in Saturday’s thrilling qualifying session for the Russian Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion’s blistering fastest lap and Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen’s second place on the grid brought to an end rivals champions Mercedes long and dominant supremacy in qualifying.