On December 3rd 1999, a spacecraft called Mars Polar Lander (MPL) was supposed to touch down near the red planet's southern pole.

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There was encouraging feedback from both drivers following Friday practice that either way the team can challenge rivals Red Bull and Ferrari for pole.

BBC: Jenson Button 'needs' podium finish at Italian GP

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel took pole ahead of Hamilton and Alonso, whose closest championship rival, Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber, was fifth.

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