INDIANAPOLIS - IT IS not often that Lewis Hamilton gets flustered.

But there was a discernible gulp as Formula One's first black driver found out that Tiger Woods was following his career closely, and had described him as a 'terrific role model'.

'No way, no way,' stammered the 22-year-old McLaren driver, who has been avoiding the newspapers to keep his mind on the task of winning the US Grand Prix.

'Now that has put a smile on my face,' said Hamilton. 'He's a cool dude and I've always wanted to meet him, so that's really nice to hear.

'I'm honoured he has been taking notice of what I've been doing. I really, really hope to see him soon and I wish him all the best.

'I know he's going to win the US Open, so he doesn't need me to send him any luck.'

Neither does the Briton, who raised eyebrows again on Saturday by winning pole at Indianapolis, ahead of teammate and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

Ferraris took up the second row, with Felipe Massa of Brazil qualifying third and his teammate, Finland's Kimi Raikkonen, fourth.

Hamilton got the better of Alonso in a final qualifying session that became a straight shoot-out between the two drivers, reported The Times.

The Spaniard, who had dominated practice, went quickest with a time of 1min 12.500sec near the end of the session.

Hamilton recorded 1min 12.331sec, to add more spice to a simmering feud between the pair.

Speaking ahead of qualifying, the Briton said the sensational start he has made to his career is all down to a refusal to allow himself to be intimidated by the opposition.

In what may be seen as a dig at Alonso, who suggested last week that McLaren were giving Hamilton preferential treatment, he said:

'I don't fear the opposition. I don't know what it is, maybe it's my personality.'

He won in Canada last week from pole to finish, while Alonso could only finish seventh.

'I really thought Fernando would get pole here,' said Hamilton. 'He has been quicker all weekend.

'My last two laps were spot-on, though - perfect. Getting my second pole was even better than last week, and it's great to see so many British flags.'

His watching father, Anthony, was equally buoyant.

'I'm stunned,' he said. 'Obtaining pole position in Montreal last weekend was one thing, but repeating the feat is more difficult.

'It's another big hurdle Lewis has overcome.'

Even seasoned veterans of the international auto-racing series are becoming increasingly awestruck.

Frank Williams, whose Williams team have been in the sport for more than 30 years, was asked this week to name another driver - past or present - who reminded him of Hamilton.

'Nobody,' he said.

Hamilton has had six races, with podium finishes in his first five being followed by victory in last week's Canadian Grand Prix.