The new Mercedes driver starts in pole position for the first time since his move from McLaren.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has beaten Lotus’ Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso to pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix.
It is the first time Hamilton has qualified in first position since his move from former team McLaren at the end of last season.
The Brit’s Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg made it to fourth ahead of Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, whilst current world champion Sebastian Vettel is back in ninth.
Vettel’s fellow Red Bull member Mark Webber was disqualified for stopping on the track with too little fuel and will begin the race in Shanghai at the back of the grid.
For Hamilton it is the first really positive qualification since his move away from McClaren and the former champion was delighted with the result.
“[It’s an] incredible feeling, so happy to have our first pole for some time,” the 28-year-old said on BBC Sport.
“Ecstatic, the lap was great. I really hope we can carry this into tomorrow.”
Whilst Hamilton is pleased the move from his boyhood constructor is coming to fruition, his former teammate and fellow Briton Jenson Button will start in eighth on Sunday after another disappointing day.
Romain Grosjean and surprise package Daniel Ricciardo of Torro Rosso make up the top nine.
The Chinese race will be the first for the drivers after a three week break following the controversial Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Vettel beat Webber into second-place in Sepang but caused in-house disputes at Red Bull after the German was told not to overtake his teammate.
Sunday’s race will begin at 8.00 BST.
COMMENTS