Hamilton delighted with front row start

The Briton still has an outside shot at the title, though he would need misfortune to strike all three of his rivals in order to overhaul them. But he says he is just happy to have a car that he hopes can challenge for victory.

"We've had a much better start to weekend," said Hamilton. "The guys did a great job to finally fix the rear wing and get it working to the point we can use it - we have got good straightline speed and the rest of car has some good improvements.

"We were a lot more competitive this weekend, we had a great feeling - nothing to lose and everything to gain. I'm happy to be up there and this is the highest I have qualified for some time now, so it's good.

"We are chilled and happy, it was a great job by Jenson as well. It's a good step to hopefully score more points than Ferrari tomorrow, I can't complain."

Hamilton says he will be able to enjoy Sunday's season finale without feeling any pressure for the title.

"In 2007 and 2008 there was incredible pressure on, but this weekend it is a huge difference to me," he said. "I am here enjoying myself and looking forward to tomorrow."