Sepang (Malaysia), March 28 (IANS): Force India survived the rain storm here on Saturday as Nico Hulkenberg qualified 13th ahead of Sergio Perez in 14th for Sunday's Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton took pole in his Mercedes ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel while the reigning World Champion's teammate Nico Rosberg will start third in his 'Silver Arrow' at the Sepang International Circuit.

The skies opened up in the middle of Q2 which came as a setback for Force India as the two drivers found it extremely difficult to drive and make it into Q3.

“It was a short qualifying session with the rain arriving quite early in Q2. Maybe it would have been better for us if the rain had arrived five minutes earlier and Q2 was completely wet because everybody was able to complete a lap on slicks when the track was quite dry," said Hulkenberg.

"It was only on the in-lap that the skies really opened. As it happens, it would have been very difficult to reach Q3 anyway. The race will be tough, especially managing the tyres in the high temperatures. There is always the chance of more rain and that’s when you have to adapt quickly.

Mexican Perez, who will start beside his German teammate, said his position is a just reflection of Force India's current pace.

"It was really tough out there in these conditions. I was the last car out on track in Q2 and that compromised my lap. Our strategy was the right one but we were just a bit late in going out and by the time I got to sectors two and three, the track was starting to get wet," said Perez.

"Where we are is a fair reflection of our current pace. We are hoping to be in a better position than others tomorrow because our focus has been directed towards the race rather than qualifying. We've seen in Melbourne that anything can happen so I will approach the race aiming for points."