• Brazilian Grand Prix - FP2

'We're certainly looking strong' - Hamilton

ESPN Staff
November 23, 2012 « Webber planning for dry Sunday | Button explains wing difference »
Lewis Hamilton was quickest in both sessions on Friday © Sutton Images
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Lewis Hamilton said that McLaren is "certainly looking strong" after topping both Friday practice sessions for the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Having won the last race in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton set the fastest time of FP1 by just 0.009s before extending his advantage over Sebastian Vettel to over a quarter of a second in the afternoon session. While high track temperatures meant many drivers were struggling for grip Hamilton said he was encouraged by McLarens pace in the conditions.

"It's been a positive first day - I hope we can maintain our form or even progress it tomorrow," Hamilton said. "We're certainly looking strong, but this place can be so tough on tyres that it's hard to make any accurate predictions at this stage. The track and ambient temperatures were so high today that it felt almost as though I was sliding around the track with the tyres melting! Having said that, our long runs are usually tougher on the tyres [than shorter runs], but our long runs still looked quite good today."

Hamilton also said that he would be "savouring every moment" of his final race weekend with McLaren.

"It's great to have such a positive final Friday with the team - it's been one of the best Fridays we've had for a long, long time, in fact. I'm savouring every moment of this weekend, and I'll be taking photographs of my engineers and mechanics through each day. The car feels really good - thanks, guys - and it would be the perfect Saturday if I could take pole tomorrow."

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