Helio Castroneves celebrates taking pole in Fontana

The Brazilian recorded a lap of 217.47 mph in his Dallara/Toyota to claim pole for the third consecutive race.

Scott Dixon was second fastest with a lap of 216.3 mph and starts from the front row for the first time this year while Sam Hornish was third.

Darren Manning escaped serious injury when his car spun out and rammed into a barrier on his final lap.

Manning was conscious and alert after the incident and was taken to hospital for back X-rays.

Scotland's Dario Franchitti was 10th quickest while fellow Brit Dan Wheldon will start the race from 15th place.

Tony Kanaan, needing only to finish in the top four to claim this year's series points championship, had a mechanical problem and was not able to record a qualifying lap.