Hamilton shrugs off grid slot worries

The FIA made the decision to move pole position from the left to the right of the circuit ahead of yesterday's qualifying session, meaning that second-placed Hamilton could struggle for traction off the line as he bids to pass pole position starter Felipe Massa on the run to the first corner.

"I don't think it's the dirty side of the grid," said Hamilton. "If you look at it both sides are pretty dirty.

"We generally tend to drive down the middle part of both grid slots, especially at the front part."

Championship leader Hamilton also believes that he will still be in the hunt for victory even if Massa holds the lead at the start - although he is still keen to make amends for the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this month.

"My aim is to get the best launch possible," said Hamilton. "Whether or not I am able to jump him or tuck him right behind him I can't say.

"Today will be a new experience for us at this circuit and will be a real test of all our skills to see who can overtake and how we manage our tyres."