Nico qualifies 5th at home race, Di Resta 9th

Nico Hulkenberg delivered a superb qualifying session in his home race as he secured a season-best fifth position on the grid while Paul di Resta was ninth as Sahara Force India got itself in a good position to score some points from the German Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hulkenberg managed the fastest lap of 1m 43.501s and was sandwiched between fourth-placed Michael Schumacher (1:42.459) and Williams' Pastor Maldonado (1m 43.950s).

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (1m 40.621) recorded a second straight pole position, followed by the two Red Bulls. While double defending champion Sebastian Vettel (1:41.026) was second, Mark Webber was third (1:41.496).

Paul di Resta's fastest lap of 1:44.889 got him the fifth row on the grid along with Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen (1:45.811).

Force India will now look to grab the seventh position from Williams on the constructors' championship.

Force India have 44 points, three less than Williams.

India's Narain Karthikeyan (1:20.230) brought up the rear along with Hispania teammate Pedro de la Rosa (1:19.912).

Karthikeyan will start last from the grid.