Hamilton unfazed by Ferrari's speed

Ferrari's Felipe Massa posted the fastest time of the day on Friday, finishing nearly six tenths of a second ahead of Hamilton in the morning session.

The Brazilian, six points behind Hamilton in the standings, was also quicker than his McLaren rival in the afternoon.

But Hamilton made it clear after the sessions that he did not think Ferrari were ahead of McLaren.

"We're still going for the win. We're just as competitive as them. We're pretty much equal with them," Hamilton told reporters after practice.

"For sure, they have a bit more speed at the end of the straight, but it's only by a couple of km/h, not five or eight. I don't think it will make any difference."

The championship leader said he felt McLaren were a lot more competitive than last year, when Ferrari dominated the race.

"Today it was raining in some parts more than others and that made it a little bit tricky. But I feel very happy with the balance and the package we have this weekend.

"It's definitely a lot more competitive than we were here last year. We just have to keep pushing hard to get out in front."

Hamilton said he did not care if qualifying or the race are wet, although he did confess he would prefer the challenge of running at full speed in the dry.

"We were strong in Monaco and Silverstone, but I don't mind," he said. "It would be nice if it is dry. It's a great challenge in the dry, but in the wet it will be so tricky for everyone as the GP2 guys have found out."

He continued: "It's like night and day. There's a huge difference. When it's dry you can push, use the curves and every bit of the grass, but in the wet you have no grip.

"And if you touch a white line or a kerb then you are going to crash. It's very tricky just to know where the puddles are, you can have aqua-planing.

"The second you step out of the braking zone and you are a fraction late, then you will go straight."