McLaren driver Kovalainen takes maiden pole at British GP (AFP)

AFP - A delighted Heikki Kovalainen grabbed his maiden Formula One pole position on Saturday with a near-flawless qualifying display at the British Grand Prix.

Kovalainen takes pole at British GP

Heikki Kovalainen secured the first pole position of his Formula One career to put McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the shade.

Hamilton wins rainy British GP (AP)

AP - Lewis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix for the first time, leading his rain-soaked home race from the fourth lap to take the lead in the Formula One drivers championship.

Hamilton wins British GP, 1st win in home race

Lewis Hamilton mastered wild and wet racing conditions to score a runaway victory at the British Grand Prix and throw the Formula One drivers championship wide open.

Hamilton scorches to British GP victory (AFP)

AFP - Lewis Hamilton streaked to British Grand Prix victory on Sunday, delivering a masterful drive in wet conditions to delight a vociferous home crowd and reignite his world title challenge.

British GP walkthrough and pictures

The first half of the season ended in dramatic style at Silverstone, as the rain played a significant effect on the outcome of the race. The British Grand Prix was won with panache by Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren-Mercedes.