Hamilton Sets Fastest Time in China
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in both practice sessions ahead of Sunday's penultimate F1 race in China
Lewis Hamilton has taken the first step towards putting the disappointment of last weekend's Japanese grand prix behind him by setting the fastest time in both practice sessions ahead of Sunday's penultimate race in China.
The 23-year-old has received widespread criticism for his uncompromising driving style since blowing pole position in Fuji last weekend to finally finish 12th, cutting his lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa in the drivers' championship to just five points. Hamilton has responded to his critics at the first available opportunity, however, driving his McLaren to top spot in each of the two 90-minute sessions at the Shanghai International Circuit.
It was the first time Hamilton has been out in front in both of Friday's practice runs since the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in July where he also recorded his last win. His fastest lap was set late in the first session as he clocked 1min 35.630secs for the 5.451km track, and a time 0.120secs slower in the second session. Hamilton was comfortably quickest on both occasions, beating Massa into second by 0.390secs after the duo had traded fastest laps in the first session, and then Renault's Fernando Alonso by 0.274secs in the second.
The Englishman can take the title on Sunday if he wins and Massa finishes lower than fourth.
The 23-year-old has received widespread criticism for his uncompromising driving style since blowing pole position in Fuji last weekend to finally finish 12th, cutting his lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa in the drivers' championship to just five points. Hamilton has responded to his critics at the first available opportunity, however, driving his McLaren to top spot in each of the two 90-minute sessions at the Shanghai International Circuit.
It was the first time Hamilton has been out in front in both of Friday's practice runs since the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in July where he also recorded his last win. His fastest lap was set late in the first session as he clocked 1min 35.630secs for the 5.451km track, and a time 0.120secs slower in the second session. Hamilton was comfortably quickest on both occasions, beating Massa into second by 0.390secs after the duo had traded fastest laps in the first session, and then Renault's Fernando Alonso by 0.274secs in the second.
The Englishman can take the title on Sunday if he wins and Massa finishes lower than fourth.
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