Hamilton 'buzzing' despite losing pole

Hamilton appeared capable of beating Massa to pole when he set the fastest second sector on his final flying lap, but the Briton ended up just a tenth behind the Brazilian.

Crucially, though, he will start tomorrow's race in front of title rivals Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, who qualified third and fourth respectively.

"It was very, very close, and I really enjoyed the qualifying session actually," Hamilton said. "The car was great to drive, and the team did a good job in getting us out in good space.

"[My final lap] was a good lap. I lost a bit of time in the last corner - it wasn't a mistake, but I didn't want to lose what I had until then, so I lost half a tenth.

"So apart from that it was a perfect lap. I am very, very happy and this is a good place to start."

Hamilton, who leads Alonso by four points and Raikkonen by seven, is favourite to clinch his first world championship tomorrow, making him the first rookie champion - and the youngest ever.

But the Briton said he was not feeling under extra pressure and admitted he was relishing the challenge.

"I am buzzing, I am really excited," he said. "I feel very, very relaxed. The car feels good underneath me, I love the circuit, and the fans are enthusiastic. I am happy to see I have some support."