United States Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton forced into second as Nico Rosberg takes pole position

Hamilton can win the drivers' championship today

Nico Rosberg of Germany races on the main straight during the delayed qualifying session of the United States Formula One Grand Prix (GETTY IMAGES)

Nico Rosberg is poised to spoil Lewis Hamilton's championship coronation in Austin after securing pole position for the United States Grand Prix later on Sunday.

With rain continuing to lash down at the Circuit of the Americas, the top-10 shootout was cancelled meaning the grid will be formed from the times set in Q2.

That means Rosberg has secured his third consecutive pole position ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Hamilton with the Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo in third.

Hamilton needs to outscore Rosberg by two points to seal his third championship here in Austin. Sebastian Vettel, his nearest challenger in the title race, qualified fifth but will be demoted 10 places on the grid after an engine change.

PA