Delighted Hamilton thankful to team

The Briton was unhappy with the handling of his car yesterday, but the team changed the chassis for today after having to work hard overnight.

Hamilton made good use of the change and finished on top of the times for his 16th career pole.

"Fantastic. I'm very happy and pleased for the team," said Hamilton. "Throughout the weekend we came with updates, but so did everyone else and didn't know where we would be.

"Friday practice was not spectacular for me, but I came here today with a positive approach and a big thanks to the guys. They worked until 10am this morning rebuilding the car.

"We had some problems so had to change the chassis. They stayed up in the garage today in this humidity. They did a great job and I'm pleased to do this for them."

The McLaren driver, who benefited from an early finish to the session after a crash from Rubens Barrichello, said that he hadn't pushed that hard on his pole lap.

"The lap was really, very relaxed," he said. "The car over the weekend has got better and better as the circuit got gripper.

"I was feeling more comfortable in the car. The lap was really very relaxed and I was able to go faster so I am quite happy. We will see what happens with the strategies."

He added: "I think the track, they tried to improve it and make it a bit less bumpy, it is not as bad as last year but still bumpy, it is not a problem, gives it a bit of character, I thoroughly enjoy driving it.

"I said I would be back to try and redeem myself, and hopefully this is the first step."