Cool Hammy Puts On A Brave Front

Oct 21 2007 By Iain Hammill

LEWIS HAMILTON was pipped for pole position yesterday - but he couldn't care less.

The only man who qualified faster for today's title-deciding Brazilian Grand Prix was home hero Felipe Massa and he can't nick championship glory from the rookie Brit.

Hammy, 22, failed to finish first but achieved his main objective by roaring round the Interlagos circuit quicker than title rivals Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.

So the McLaren man remains in the perfect position to take the Formula One world crown today.

Ferrari's Massa thrilled the Brazilians by claiming the ninth pole of his career but Hamilton will have the men who really matter in his rear view mirror.

If Massa wins and Hammy is second the tile will be the McLaren man's.

Smiling Hamilton said: "It was close. I really enjoyed the qualifying session. The car was good to drive and I produced a good lap - losing a little bit of time in the last corner.

"But apart from that I'm happy. It's a good place to start.

"I'm just buzzing. I'm really excited. I feel relaxed, the car is great and I love the circuit.

"There are quite a lot of British flags out there so I'm glad I have a lot of support."

Regarding yesterday's first practice when McLaren illegally used two sets of wet tyres on Hamilton's car and picked up a £10,500 fine, the English star said: "It wasn't down to me. I sit in the car and do what I'm told. We got a fine. Fortunately, I don't have to pay it."

The race for glory is a three-horse affair for the first time in 21 years with Hamilton four points ahead of team-mate Alonso and seven clear of Ferrari's Raikkonen.

Glorious sunshine is forecast for today unlike in the last two races in Japan and China which have been dominated by rain.

In brilliant qualifying conditions Massa produced a blistering lap of 1 min 11.931secs, edging out Hamilton by 0.151.

Raikkonen is third with French reigning champ Alonso fourth ahead of Mark Webber (Red Bull) and Sauber duo Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica.

Toyota's Jarno Trulli, David Coulthard for Red Bull and Nico Rosberg of Williams will start from eighth, ninth and 10th respectively. Finn Raikkonen has to finish first or second and hope Hamilton is sixth or worse.

He said: "The tyres will be on the limit so whoever uses them the best way will come out on top and then we will see what happens."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis was happy with the qualifying displays but admitted he wanted one of his stars on pole.

He said: "We will be trying to win the world championship with one of our drivers.

"It's good. It's almost in Lewis' hands now but he has a bit more work to do.

"There were a few glitches, nothing too serious, and I'm looking forward to a good clean fight and a good conclusion to the championship."

Massa, who won the Brazilian race last year from pole, said: "It was a good lap and to be here in front of my home people there is real emotion.

"The atmosphere is always the same - it's amazing. This is a good start."