• Brazilian Grand Prix - Qualifying

Hamilton bullish about race prospects

ESPNF1 Staff
November 6, 2010 « Hulkenberg amazed by shock pole | »
Lewis Hamilton expects to move through the field on Sunday © Sutton Images
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Lewis Hamilton is confident he can progress through the field at Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix after qualifying fourth.

The McLaren driver said he was held up by traffic on his last qualifying run, but was happy with the way the car performed and with its straight-line speed - crucial for overtaking.

"The car didn't feel too bad - it wasn't spectacularly good in the wet, but it felt a lot better in the dry at the end of Q3," he said. "For tomorrow, I think we've got good race pace and good end-of-straight speed; so, yes, I think we're in a good position. We're definitely still in the world championship fight.

"I've started from fourth at this track before [in 2008], and it's not my favourite spot, but I can't really complain today," he said. "On the other hand, on my final lap, I got a bit held up in the final corner when someone was backing-up ahead of me, which was frustrating.

He congratulated Nico Hulkenberg on his surprise pole position but indicated that he expects to pass him in the race.

"I'm confident that I'll be able to battle my way forwards from fourth position on the grid, because we're all close at the front. We can fight [one another]. It's also quite cool to see Nico [Hulkenberg] right up there - so well done to him - but my aim for tomorrow is to get ahead of everyone in front of me!"

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