- Italian GP - Qualifying
Pole man Hamilton relieved to have clean session
Lewis Hamilton is relishing the prospect of starting his championship fightback at the Italian Grand Prix after claiming his first pole position in eight races.
Hamilton took pole by three tenths but will line up alongside Nico Rosberg, who he trails by 29 points in the championship, setting up the tantalising prospect of the Mercedes drivers battling into the first corner after coming to blows in Belgium. Hamilton has struggled compared to Rosberg on Saturday's since taking pole in Spain and he says ending that run was down to an issue-free day.
"I feel excited for tomorrow," Hamilton said. "I'm very proud of my guys on the side of the garage. They've also been through a difficult time with me and they've done an incredible job in terms of bouncing back and fixing the car and dealing with difficulties. We've done it as a team and I'm really happy to be up here for them.
When both Mercedes drivers were asked if Toto Wolff's recent warnings about harsh consequences for further collision would be ringing in his ears, Hamilton replied: "It won't be ringing in my ears."
Hamilton reiterated the fact nothing has changed at Mercedes despite what happened in Belgium.
"We're free to race. That was the decision last weekend, so it continues as usual. Tomorrow it will be really good to get another 1-2 for the team, which has been working really hard. I hope we also have some competition because that will be great for the fans. As for me, I'm feeling good."
Despite having the lion's share of reliability issues this year Hamilton says he has to put thoughts of car issues to the back of his mind after niggling problems for Mercedes on Saturday.
"It's happened quite a few times on my side of the garage, but I feel optimistic. The guys have been able to fight whatever problem we have had this weekend and it's not really a mindset that you can go into a race with, thinking 'what if?'. I've got what I have and I'm going to do the best with it."
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