Qualifying began on a wet track, however, as the hour progressed, the dry line became more prominant, allowing the drivers to push and finally swap to slick in the final five minutes. This caused problems for some with Robert Kubica and Mark Webber both sliding around the track.But for Hulkenberg is it perfect.
With his Williams race-seat reportedly on the line, the rookie moved to the top of the timesheets and continued on for another lap while his rivals put in their best efforts, crossing the line behind him.
Vettel, Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton all took a turn in the P2 slot, however, none of the Championship rivals were able to better Hulkenberg's time.
But that didn't stop the German from completing his final flying lap - one more than the rest - to extend his lead to 1.049s over the chasing pack.
First pole position for the German rookie and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Vettel was second quickest, ahead of Webber, Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
Meanwhile, Jenson Button was the big casualty from the title five as the McLaren driver could only manage 11th place, dropping out in Q2.
Times
01. Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1:14.470
02. Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1:15.519
03. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:15.637
04. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:15.747
05. Alonso Ferrari 1:15.989
06. Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1:16.203
07. Kubica Renault 1:16.552
08. Schumacher Mercedes 1:16.925
09. Massa Ferrari 1:17.101
10. Petrov Renault 1:17.656
11. Button McLaren-Mercedes 1:19.288
12. Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1:19.385
13. Rosberg Mercedes 1:19.486
14. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:19.581
15. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:19.847
16. Heidfeld Sauber-Ferrari 1:19.899
17. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1:20.357
18. Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1:20.830
19. Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1:22.130
20. Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1:22.250
21. Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1:22.378
22. di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1:22.810
23. Klien HRT-Cosworth 1:23.083
24. Senna HRT-Cosworth 1:23.796
Source: Planet-F1
