Motor Racing: Stunning performance puts Hamilton on pole

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Oct 18, 2008

LEWIS HAMILTON blew away the field and his critics in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix earlier today.

The McLaren star has come under fire this week for his aggressive driving style, but the 23-year-old produced a stunning performance to clinch the 13th pole position of his Formula One career.

But Hamilton has the red menace directly behind him as the Ferrari duo of outgoing world champion Kimi Raikkonen and title rival Felipe Massa start second and third at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Hamilton has been virtually wheel-perfect so far this weekend - he topped the timesheets in both of yesterday's practice sessions, while he was second only to Nick Heidfeld in today's final hour-long run.

But in qualifying Hamilton was imperious as he set the fastest lap times in each session.

However, he saved his best until last for the all-important Q3 with a time of one minute 36.303 seconds, an astonishing 0.342secs quicker than Raikkonen.

With a five-point cushion in the title race to Massa, Hamilton will have to finish six points better off than the Brazilian in the race if he is to become the sport's youngest world champion.

Hamilton said: "It's looking good. There were some positives after what happened last weekend as we came here very strong and very determined, and that was one of my best qualifying performances.

"My second lap in Q3 in particular was almost close to a perfect lap."

Given the flak flying his way of late, Hamilton insisted his mind had been clear heading into qualifying.

"I've not had anything hanging over me or anything on my mind except the need to produce a good lap," added Hamilton.

"You can see from this result I'm dealing with it all quite well.

"I've a huge amount of support from back home, from across the world, from my team and especially from my family."

GRID POSITIONS AFTER QUALIFYING: 1 Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) McLaren 1min 36.303secs, 2 Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari 1:36.645,3 Felipe Massa (Bra) Ferrari 1:36.889,4 Fernando Alonso (Spa) Renault 1:36.927, 5 Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) McLaren 1:36.930, 6 Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull 1:37.083, 7 Nick Heidfeld (Ger) BMW Sauber 1:37.201, 8 Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:37.685, 9 Jarno Trulli (Ita) Toyota 1:37.934, 10 Sebastien Bourdais (Fra) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:38.885. Other: 16 David Coulthard (Gbr) Red Bull 1:36.731, 18 Jenson Button (Gbr) Honda 1:37.053.

CAPTION(S):

FRONT MAN: Hamilton celebrates pole position