FRENCHMAN Alain Prost, who has won pole position at every race so far this season, clinched it again yesterday for the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, Italy.
Prost, criticised after his performance in the rain-affected European Grand Prix at Donington, was lagging behind teammate Damon Hill.
But the Williams-Renault driver then answered his critics by recording the fastest time during the final official practice session.
It is the 24th time he has won pole position in his career.
He lived dangerously, though, going off the track on one occasion as he and the other leading drivers tried to make the most of the ideal hot and dry conditions.
He clocked his best time after cutting across the grass at the Acque Minerale corner 10 minutes after rival Ayrton Senna has spun off.
''It was okay for me today. Everything went well and I am on pole,'' said Prost, who will be bidding to extend his record total of 45 Grand Prix victories.