Macau: No regrets for Hamilton

The Briton had been dominant on the first day of running and looked set to keep hold of his provisional pole position slot before Manor Motorsport team-mate Robert Kubica moved to the top of the timesheets with five minutes of the second session remaining on Friday.

By that time, Hamilton's hopes of responding to Kubica's challenge had been dashed after he had brushed the wall on one of his quick laps and damaged his suspension. His best lap of the day was still good enough for second, however.

Speaking to autosport.com after qualifying, Hamilton remained upbeat about the way his weekend was panning out - and was well aware that starting second place at Macau has often proved to be an advantage in the past because of the slipstreaming potential on the long run down to Lisboa.

"I am really pleased with how the whole weekend has gone," said Hamilton. "It has probably been my best weekend so far all season. I am a little bit disappointed, but I can only blame myself. I made a mistake and didn't make best use of my time out there but the team has done a fantastic job, and I am sorry I could not have done the best time."

When asked whether it would be more difficult heading to a race facing the prospect of fighting with a team-mate rather than a completely different rival, especially after the pair were caught up in the same accident at last year's race, he said: "It doesn't make it easier!

"To be honest he is the toughest competitor I have come across and last year we had a bit of an incident. I hope this time he doesn't make the make mistake."

Hamilton's performance in qualifying more than justified his determination to race in Macau - after the McLaren team that is backing his career was reluctant for him to compete. Hamilton had to go out and get a personal sponsor to back him if he was going to have any chance of competing.

"My determination has been at another level this weekend - especially after the build up getting here. I had to find my own money and push McLaren to let me do it - so I am really glad to finally be here."

Hamilton wasn't the only British driver in the wars. Jamie Green had been in contention for a top three grid position before damaging the right front of his car after a minor brush with the wall at Faraway. He will start sixth.

"It was all my fault," said Green. "I was just pushing too hard and I was off line on the way into the corner. I hit my right front against the wall on the inside where I would normally take the apex.

"People said to me that if you are going to crash do it in the last five minutes - it was just a pity I didn't do it a lap later."