Practice: Hamilton surprises

The Korean event will only be Manor Motorsport driver Hamilton's third F3 race, whereas most of his rivals have at least a season of the category under their belt.

"We've gradually made changes throughout the day to improve the car and I've found that I've been confident right from the first moment I sat in it this morning," said Hamilton.

Courtney, who dominated in Macau until a puncture ended his race, was satisfied with his day but remained confident that he can go faster in qualifying tomorrow (Saturday).

"It's been a good day and we've made a few slight changes to the set-up," said the Australian. "My last lap was my quickest and I had traffic, so there's no doubt we can go faster tomorrow."

Tatsuya Katoaka, Courtney team-mate in the crack TOM's outfit, was third quickest, with Menu Motorsport driver Robert Doornbos fourth.

British F3 regular Richard Antinucci was fifth quickest, with Macau winner Nicolas Lapierre seventh. Briton Adam Carroll was eighth fastest, with Nelson Piquet Jr 10th.

Lewis Hamilton Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m10.788s
James Courtney Dallara-Toyota 1m10.843s
Tatsuya Katoaka Dallara-Toyota 1m11.172s
Robert Doornbos Dallara-Opel 1m11.173s
Richard Antinucci Dallara-Renault 1m11.182s
Cesar Campanico Dallara-Renault 1m11.246s
Nicolas Lapierre Dallara-Renault 1m11.367s
Adam Carroll Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m11.489s
Robert Kubica Dallara-Opel 1m11.495s
Nelson Piquet Jr Dallara-Renault 1m11.533s