Hamilton targets McLaren 1-2 on Sunday

The championship leader, who could score his third consecutive win of the season on Sunday, led McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen to secure the first front row lock-out for the British squad in 2008.

Hamilton's time of 1:20.899 put him nearly two tenths ahead of Kovalainen.

"It has been so far a pretty decent weekend and the team have done a great job in improving the car again, even from the last race," said Hamilton. "The pace of our car is great and it is a great day to have me and Heikki 1-2.

"It is about time we did that for the team and we've both done a great job, it is very satisfying. We were quick in testing yesterday. Q2 looked a bit close but it was tyre dependent and we made the right choice at the end so I am very happy."

The Briton believes McLaren now have a good chance of scoring their first one-two of the year.

"You can never be too comfortable, for sure, but I feel safe to be in the position I am in," he added. "We have speed to push on and challenge for the win. Tomorrow is another day and I'll make sure I do the preparations tonight and tomorrow morning.

"It would be great to have a 1-2 for the team. The team deserve it and I think me and Heikki have been pushing hard so we both deserve it."

Hamilton, who leads Felipe Massa by four points in the standings, claimed he could have gone faster on his final run.

"Felipe doesn't believe me. I have a bit of time in the bag still. The car was great. Sector 1 was very strong and I when got to turn 4, the quick left, was fine, and when I got back to Turn 5 I locked up the right front wheel and pushed me on a bit.

"It might be half a tenth or a tenth but it is all important. Luckily I could save it and the rest of lap was good. Heikki was quickest in final sector so he is pushing me hard. It is good."