ROSBERG REVEALS PENALTY FEARS

Rosberg - podium finish.

Nico Rosberg admitted he had thought his hopes of a podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix had been ruined after he was hit with a penalty on Sunday.

The Williams driver was given a 10-second stop-and-go penalty after he was forced to pit while the pit-lane was closed after the safety car had been deployed due to Nelson Piquet's crash.

Rosberg was leading after the safety car left the circuit and it took the stewards a further five laps to penalise him after which time he had built a big enough lead that when he returned to the track he was able to secure second place at the inaugural night race - his career-best finish in Formula One.

Renault's Fernando Alonso won his first race of the season while McLaren's Lewis Hamilton came third to further extend his lead at the top of the driver standings.

"At the time the team said I had to have a 10 second stop-and-go penalty, which I thought was going to come anyway, I thought it was all over," said Rosberg.

"I dropped to sixth but then they said the guys in front still need to stop so it was looking great again.

"It was then me racing Fernando. I thought I might have a chance against him but he was just a bit quick. Still it has been a great result for us.

"It felt good and we were definitely quite strong on this track which is really pleasing that we had a good chance this weekend."

Rosberg also reserved praise for the Williams team, who had worked through the night prior to qualifying to ensure his car was in top condition.

"Everything went out way for once which is fantastic for me and the whole team," he added.

"I think the team has done a fantastic job. We had some issues with some things and they fixed up a whole load of things overnight in preparation for qualifying and everything held on great, so a big compliment to them."

ROSBERG: GRID PENALTY JUSTIFIED

FIVE-PLACE GRID PENALTY FOR VETTEL

ALONSO REVEALS FRENCH FANCY

ALONSO WINS AS HAMILTON EXTENDS LEAD

Alonso - super drive from 15th on the grid to win.

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso staged a stunning recovery to secure an historic victory at an action-packed Singapore Grand Prix.

The Spaniard had started Formula One's first night race 15th on the grid after fuel-feed problems brought an end to his qualifying campaign in the second session on Saturday.

But the Renault driver produced a superb performance to secure his first win of the year.

Williams' Nico Rosberg finished second while McLaren's Lewis Hamilton took third to boost his lead in the drivers' standings as he looks to mastermind a first World Championship title.

Toyota's Timo Glock finished fourth while Sebastian Vettel followed up his Italian Grand Prix victory with a fifth place in his Toro Rosso.

BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld finished sixth, Red Bull's David Coulthard took seventh while Kazuki Nakajima of Williams finished eighth.

But the race was a disastrous one for Ferrari as Felipe Massa could only finish 13th having started the race on pole while Kimi Raikkonen suffered a crash late on.

Massa had started the race superbly, streaking ahead of Hamilton straight away, but his hopes of a podium finish came to a disappointing end on lap 18.

The Brazilian entered the pit lane but was then shown the green light while the fuel hose was still attached.

Massa injured a member of his crew as he moved away before mechanics struggled to remove the hose to allow him to rejoin the race.

Raikkonen, meanwhile, suffered heartbreak late on when he launched from the second kerb on turn 10 and was unable to recover sufficiently before ploughing into the wall.

The victory was just reward for Alonso after dominating two of the three practice sessions prior to the race.

And the 27-year-old was naturally delighted with the win.

"It was fantastic,'' he said. "I can't believe it and I think I need a couple of days to realise we have won a race."

Hamilton's third-place finish means he has a seven-point lead over Massa in the drivers' standings with three races remaining.

But the Briton refused to get carried away.

"For sure, it is all about scoring points,'' he said. "We came here with a one-point lead and Ferrari were very competitive this weekend.

"After Massa's start it had looked tough to score more points but then the race had a couple of incidents.

"We now approach the next race the same as we did this weekend and won't get ahead of ourselves.''

The lights shone brightly around the Marina Bay street circuit as Massa started well to remain at the front of the pack, while Hamilton and Raikkonen were second and third respectively by the end of the first lap.

Alonso quickly shunned any thoughts that overtaking was impossible in the race by climbing from 15th to 12th, while by the third lap Massa had built a 1.7-second lead over Hamilton.

But the safety car was deployed for the first time during lap 15 after Renault's Nelson Piquet lost control on turn 17 and crashed in spectacular fashion into a barrier.

Rubens Barrichello's Honda then had to be recovered when his car appeared to lose power.

Then followed the incredible pit scenes as Massa saw his hopes of a podium finish end when he tried to re-join the race with the fuel hose still attached to his car.

Consequently Rosberg moved into pole but he was handed a 10-second stop go penalty for entering the pit lane when it was closed and lost his lead after entering the pits to take his penalty.

Red Bull's Mark Webber became the third victim of the Singapore circuit when the Australian, having looked good for a podium finish, ran wide at turn one before making an unscheduled stop in the pits due to technical problems.

Alonso climbed into pole for the first time on lap 33 when Toyota's Jarno Trulli made his pit stop and then soon increased his lead to seven seconds.

But once again there was drama in the pits midway through the race when Coulthard had attempted to leave with the fuel hose still attached to his car. That stop cost the veteran driver as Glock and Rosberg moved up to second and third respectively by lap 44.

Massa's race continued to get worse when he spun at Turn 18 and though he had managed to recover, an unsighted Adrian Sutil slammed his Force India car into the wall when coming round the turn.

The crash once again brought out the safety car but when it left the circuit after lap 53 Alonso quickly stormed ahead before increasing his lead to six seconds three laps later.

Ferrari's hopes in the constructor standings were dealt a blow when Raikkonen crashed with just three laps to go before Alonso comfortably completed the remaining laps to secure the victory.

HAMILTON WINS IN GERMANY

MASSA FINDS PASSPORT TO VICTORY

I CAN'T COMPLAIN - HAMILTON

Massa pulls away with the fuel hose still attached.

World championship leader Lewis Hamilton had no complaints after claiming third place in the Singapore Grand Prix - a finish which saw his lead in the standings increase to seven points.

The 23-year-old McLaren driver started second on the grid behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa and, after his title rival enjoyed a fine start to the race, it looked like Hamilton's hopes of extending his title lead would take a significant hit.

However, Massa's hopes were ended on the 17th lap when, having entered the pit lane behind the safety car after Renault driver Nelson Piquet's crash, he was shown the green light to leave but moved while the fuel hose was still attached to his car.

The Brazilian injured a member of his crew as he moved away and team mechanics then had to sprint the length of the pits before struggling to remove the hose.

To add insult to injury Massa was also hit with a drive-through penalty and while Fernando Alonso stole the show to claim a historic victory at Formula One's first night race, Hamilton was pleased to secure third to extend his lead in the standings to seven points.

"I honestly can't complain," he said. "I didn't want to take chances, particularly because the Ferraris were outside the points.

"The first night race in Formula One history was great fun and I am looking forward to the forthcoming double-header in Japan and China."

It was the first time Hamilton and many of his fellow competitors had raced in the dark, but the Stevenage-born driver admitted the track was lit up so well he felt unaware he was racing at night.

"During the race it felt pretty much like all the races do," added Hamilton. "I didn't notice that we were racing at night.

"The track and the facilities here are phenomenal. They have done an amazing job. Unfortunately it is a little difficult to overtake on the circuit but it makes a good challenge for the drivers.

"It is a good result, coming here for the first time and scoring points and finishing on the podium. I am looking forward to coming here again next year and maybe we can try to win."

Ferrari were dealt a double blow as Kimi Raikkonen crashed late on, meaning McLaren moved a point ahead in the constructors'

standings.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis admitted the team recommended to Hamilton that he held onto third place rather than push Williams' Nico Rosberg for second.

"Today's race was a very exciting one," he said. "In the last few laps, having seen Kimi's accident we advised Lewis not to attempt to overtake Nico but instead settle for third and the seven-point lead in the drivers' championship.

"The race was a hugely successful event and we are delighted to have emerged from it with the lead in the drivers' and the constructors' championships."

TYRE CHOICE COSTS KIMI

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

FERRARI VOW TO LEARN

HAMILTON: NOTHING CHANGES

Hamilton - likes it wet.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis is hoping for rain in the final three races of the season after Lewis Hamilton moved a step closer to the world championship at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hamilton took third place in Formula One's first night race with Williams' Nico Rosberg second and Renault's Fernando Alonso securing his first win of the season.

But crucially for the 23-year-old was that title rival Felipe Massa, who started the race just a point behind Hamilton in the driver standings, failed to finish in the points following drama in the pits.

Consequently, Hamilton now holds a seven-point lead at the top of the standings with races in Japan, China and Brazil remaining.

"We are strategic in our approach to winning the world championship with Lewis," said Dennis.

"You have to finish races firstly and we want to finish them in the top three.

"We believe we have superior wet-weather performances and we expect one, maybe two wet races before the end of the season."

Hamilton, meanwhile, admitted he would take each race as it comes as he looks to mastermind a first world championship title.

"We did a solid job and came back with the points," he said.

"Moving forward, I think we approach it (the next race) the same as we have this weekend and definitely don't get ahead of ourselves because, as we can see, lots of things can happen.

"We will just focus on doing a solid job and score more points hopefully."

Hamilton had gone into the race on the back of the unwanted distraction of a hearing for an appeal against his Belgian Grand Prix points penalty.

That appeal was ultimately ruled inadmissible but Dennis insisted it was a necessary process to ensure there were no regrets should Hamilton fail to clinch the title come the season's end.

"We had to appeal," he said.

"If it comes to the end of the season and we lose out on the world championship because of those points we would always be thinking what if.

"We don't reflect on it now. Our whole approach is to rise above it and we try to gain strength out of these situations.

"It is not the outcome we would have liked but it was an essential process."

HAMILTON QUIET OVER CALL FOR CHANGE

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

HAMILTON READIES FOR APPEAL

HAMILTON: WE ARE GETTING STRONGER

Hamilton - increased his lead in Singapore.

Lewis Hamilton feels he is riding a tidal wave of positivity as he closes in on this year's Formula One world title.

Hamilton heads into the final three grands prix in Japan, China and Brazil with a seven point cushion to Ferrari rival Felipe Massa.

The 23-year-old stretched his advantage following Massa's calamitous race in Singapore on Sunday when he suffered a pit-lane disaster.

A scheduled stop saw the Brazilian released early which resulted in him knocking over two of his mechanics before setting off down the pit lane with the fuel hose still attached to his car.

A drive-through penalty followed for an unsafe release from the pits, culminating in Massa finishing 13th after starting on pole.

Hamilton, meanwhile, drove a steady, faultless race to finish third behind race winner and former McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso in his Renault.

Hamilton said his team has always been "rock-solid".

"We started the year feeling really strong and we have just kept developing that," he said.

"I'd say now the team is the most positive and together it's ever been.

"Since the middle of the season, we've got the car in such a sweet-spot that it's been competitive at every race.

"I think Singapore showed just what we could do. We didn't really put a foot wrong.

"I've got to give credit to the engineers and strategists for helping me to save fuel during the first safety car period.

"The guys in the garage pulled off two perfect pitstops. What more can I ask for?

"We're just getting stronger and stronger. We all want this so much that every race just pulls us closer and closer together.

"I can't really describe that feeling of team-work, but it's incredibly strong. It's what keeps us all going."

Hamilton now faces a leisurely time at home in Geneva this weekend, what he describes as "a normal regime", prior to a hectic finish of three races in four weeks.

The race in Singapore underlined Hamilton's commitment to focusing on taking advantage of a situation at any given time, rather than going for glory.

As Massa was not in a position to score points, Hamilton coasted to a comfortable third place instead of pushing Williams' Nico Rosberg for second and potentially crashing out.

Such a mature mindset will not change, with Hamilton adding: "The six points we got on Sunday were pretty important to our title chances.

"We're ahead now in both world championships and have to keep focused during these next three races.

"I've said before that consistency is what will win this world championship, and I feel really pleased that we did that in Singapore.

"We only finished third, but we couldn't really have asked for more from that result, and I didn't want to risk throwing those points away with any kind of move as you never know what might happen.

"We also made all the right decisions at the right moments in the race, and the car still feels fantastic to drive.

"All I can do is take one race at a time while keeping one eye on the final result at the end of the year."

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

WEATHER MATTERS TO MASSA

KIMI HAPPY TO PLAY TEAM GAME

ALONSO HAILS 'FANTASTIC' WIN

Alonso checks out his trophy.

Fernando Alonso hailed his Singapore Grand Prix victory as "fantastic" after the two-time world champion stormed through the pack to win the first night race in Formula One history.

After twice going fastest in practice the Renault driver thought he had seen his podium hopes obliterated when his qualifying came to end in the second session due to a fuel-feed problem.

The Spaniard started Sunday's race in 15th place on the grid but, helped by some pit-lane drama involving Ferrari's Felipe Massa, Alonso tore his way through the field to secure his first victory of an otherwise frustrating season.

Williams' Nico Rosberg took second place while McLaren's Lewis Hamilton claimed third to increase his lead over Massa in the driver standings to seven points.

"It was fantastic," said Alonso. "I can't believe it and I think I need a couple of days to realise we have won a race.

"It means a lot. We always prepare for the race for victories. We were competitive straight away this weekend and in first practice we were quick.

"We were hoping to take the benefit of this good car here but after qualifying our hopes appeared to be completely gone."

After his qualifying disappointment Alonso believed his only chance of finishing in the points was to hope for rain.

But he was competitive from the start as he quickly rubbished suggestions overtaking was near-impossible on the Marina Bay circuit by climbing three places to 12th.

"I was hoping more for rain because if you make the right tyre choices you can get an advantage and make up a lot of places," Alonso added.

"In normal dry conditions you finish two or three places in front or behind where you started.

"But today showed that Formula One is an unpredictable sport. Anything can happen."

Massa had looked unlikely to relinquish pole position after a strong start from the Brazilian.

However, his podium hopes were ended on the 17th lap when, having entered the pit lane behind the safety car after Renault driver Nelson Piquet's crash, he had been shown the green light to leave but moved while the fuel hose was still attached to his car.

Massa injured a member of his crew as he moved away before mechanics struggled to remove the hose to allow him to rejoin the race and he was subsequently hit with a drive-through penalty.

Consequently, Hamilton benefited from his title rival's misfortune to claim third place and move to 84 points in the championship with Massa on 77.

"It is all about scoring points," said the 23-year-old Hamilton. "We came here with a one-point lead and Ferrari were very competitive this weekend.

"After Massa's start it had looked tough to score more points but then the race had a couple of incidents.

"We have come away with points. We now approach the next race the same as we did this weekend and won't get ahead of ourselves."

Rosberg, meanwhile, admitted his podium finish will give him confidence ahead of the final three races of the season.

"It is very nice to be up here and it is really good for the whole team," he said.

"It is good to finish on the podium coming into the last few races. I think luck was on our side for once this time and it was good."

There was also joy for David Coulthard after the Red Bull driver, who retires at the end of the season, finished seventh while Honda's Jenson Button fell just short of a place in the points as he took ninth.

"That was my second points finish of the year so I have got to be happy with today's result," said Coulthard.

Ferrari's misery was completed late in the race when Massa's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen crashed with three laps remaining while fighting for fourth place.

ALONSO REMAINS DEFIANT

FANTASTIC RESULT FOR US - KUBICA

DENNIS DAZZLED BY SINGAPORE LIGHTS

The race under lights was hailed as a success.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis believes the success of the first Grand Prix to be held at night in Singapore will change the future of Formula One.

An incident-packed race saw Renault's Fernando Alonso come out on top on Sunday while Williams' Nico Rosberg finished second and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton third.

Despite high drama on the circuit, the race stood up well to expectations from a lighting aspect with the track brightly lit throughout.

The weekend proved a success on the whole and Dennis believes Singapore has set the benchmark for future night races.

"I don't think anybody does not appreciate the success of the concept of racing at night," Dennis said.

"The only negative comment I've heard throughout the weekend from any member of our team was that the circuit is a bit bumpy, but everyone adapts to that and it is easy to rectify for next year.

"The really impressive thing relates to the lighting. There are very few places that don't look even better at night because they are beautifully lit and it is the same of this city.

"When you see the shots of the city and the way they have brought the whole atmosphere of Singapore into the event, it is just a phenomenal spectacle."

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has expressed his desire to add more night races to the calendar, with Japan a recent target, and Dennis believes Singapore's success will herald more races under floodlights across the globe.

"Clearly it provides Formula One with a very powerful tool because we can now target anywhere in the world," he added.

"If both Singapore and Valencia tweak the circuits with experience then this is going to set a new trend. It is a real big step in the history of Grand Prix racing.

"It has done so well. Everything has been proven to work and we can take this model and apply it anywhere.

"It could be used in Europe to bring us into night and we can change the viewing times.

"It can be used now to glamourise Formula One even more."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug echoed Dennis' sentiments but added that the Singapore Grand Prix could become the most difficult race of the season.

"It is a great statement for Formula One," he said. "Normally for a new venue you sometimes are expecting something and sometimes you are a little bit disappointed, but here it is quite the other way around.

"I was expecting great pictures, I thought that with it at night and the lighting would work like a photo studio and it is amazing.

"They have done a particularly good job with the helicopters to integrate the city.

"The track is challenging and I believe this will be one of the toughest if not the toughest of the calendar."

SINGAPORE FALLS FOR F1

TRULLI’S SINGAPORE CONCERNS

MASSA CLAIMS POLE IN SINGAPORE

Massa races to pole under the Singapore lights.

World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton insists he is happy with his starting position for Sunday's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix despite Felipe Massa snatching pole in qualifying.

McLaren driver Hamilton had looked on course to take first place after setting the fastest lap late in the final session on the Marina Bay street circuit.

However, Ferrari's Massa had other ideas as he produced a superb final lap to take first place by clocking a time of one minute 44.801 seconds and finish sixth-tenths of a second ahead of Hamilton.

Kimi Raikkonen, despite having endured a disappointing practice session earlier in the evening, completed a fine qualifying session for Ferrari by claiming third place.

"It was one of those things and I was very fortunate to get through," said Hamilton. "But I'm happy with the result.

"We are not worried. We are in a very strong position and I am quite happy with where I am."

Hamilton, however, conceded that overtaking will be almost impossible on the challenging street circuit on Sunday.

"You won't be able to overtake here," he added. "For the quicker cars if there is not much time difference. We will just do the best job we can tomorrow.

"We have just got to play it by ear and give it the best shot we can tomorrow."

Massa, meanwhile, believes the only feeling that could better that of securing pole will be winning on Sunday.

The Brazilian has won five races this season and is just one point behind Hamilton in the drivers' standings with four races remaining.

"It was so fantastic," said Massa. "It is the most incredible feeling you can feel as a racing driver. To achieve what you want is always a great achievement."

Though generally accepted as a difficult circuit, racing under the lights has generally been met with a positive response.

And Massa believes Sunday's race is an important day for Formula One.

"It is pretty tough, a very difficult track, so to get every corner right is really, really difficult," he added.

"It is a very important race for F1. It is interesting and a very important race on the calendar.

"If we can win the race it will be an even more fantastic a feeling than after qualifying."

BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica will start in fourth place on the grid while Hamilton's McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen is in fifth.

Nick Heidfeld, of BMW Sauber, took sixth place but later has hit with a three-place penalty for impeding Rubens Barrichello and so will start in ninth.

Italian Grand Prix winner Sebastian Vettel will start sixth instead in his Toro Rosso.

Toyota's Timo Glock and Williams' Nico Rosberg complete the grid.

Honda's Jenson Button will start in 12th while David Coulthard is two places further back in his Red Bull.

"It is not good to start the race tomorrow in the middle of the pack," said Coulthard.

"The main factors for this track are getting the right tyre and getting your eye in so that you turn at the right point.

"On a track like this you really need miles to get your hand in."

MY BEST OF THE YEAR - MASSA

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

SINGAPORE FALLS FOR F1

The Singapore set-up has impressed the locals.

The vast majority of Singapore's people knew little about Formula One before their city was given the chance to host the sport's first-ever night race.

But judging by the collective gasp from the locals as the cars roared around the city's streets, it is clear Singapore has fallen for the sport.

Singapore is perfect for F1 - glamorous, tropical and chaotic.

By hosting a race at night F1's money men have not only stood better advertising rates for Europe's TV channels but they have created the most dazzling event of the season.

The 3.1-mile track is lined with lights which make it appear as though the race it taking place in daylight and yet the stunning skyline still sparkles as it does every night.

Outside the city the lighting system creates a halo effect above the downtown race track.

Since the drivers first took to the track on Friday every television channel has been filled with images of Singapore's new heroes.

F1, the drivers and teams, is all anybody is talking about.

The city has taken great pride in hosting what turned to be a breathtaking 61 laps.

Those who didn't get tickets crammed the skyscrapers just to catch a glimpse of the action at street level.

And the locals who did manage to get inside the circuit clapped and cheered every car regardless of team colours.

For weeks now the city has been gearing up for this night - there have been exclusive parties, fashion shows and celebrity appearances.

And doubtless the success of this year's event will see many more F1 fans from outside the city state clamouring for tickets for next year.

Singapore has got everything - it is a Disneyland for grown-ups.

Whether it's bars and clubs, exclusive hotels or even tropical beaches, the city has proved a real treat for F1 fans.

TRULLI’S SINGAPORE CONCERNS

DENNIS DAZZLED BY SINGAPORE LIGHTS

KUBICA RELISHING NIGHT TEST

MY BEST OF THE YEAR - MASSA

Massa celebrates an excellent drive.

Felipe Massa declared that qualifying fastest for the historic Singapore Grand Prix was one of his best efforts of the season.

The Brazilian's superb last lap under the lights at the Marina Bay street circuit, in which he clocked a time of one minute 44.801 seconds, meant he dislodged McLaren's Lewis Hamilton at the top.

Massa goes into Sunday's race trailing Hamilton by just a single point in the drivers' standings and should either of the duo secure victory in Formula One's first night race they will take a crucial advantage into the final three grands prix of the season.

"It was possibly my best qualifying of the season," said Massa, who has won five races this year.

"Given my margin over the others, with hindsight it's easy to say maybe I could have run with slightly more fuel, but we firmly believe we have a very competitive strategy.

"At every corner, at every braking point I tried to get the most out of the car and I think I managed it.

"The harder tyres have seemed better since yesterday and that's why we went in that direction."

Massa admitted that concentration on the challenging circuit will be crucial on Sunday if he is to maintain his place at the front throughout.

And the Brazilian explained the track will pose a tougher challenge than that of Monaco.

"The track is very difficult and requires total concentration lap after lap because there is no room for error," he added. "It's much harder here than in Monaco.

"I'm pleased to be the first driver to be on pole for this Grand Prix, taking place in such a special and unusual atmosphere: I hope I can do even better tomorrow."

Massa's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen finished third, a position that had looked unlikely after some frustrating performances during practice, and the Finn was pleased with his performance.

"All things considered, this is a good result," said Raikkonen. "Of course, you always hope to be in front of everyone but third place is not so bad.

"I probably suffered a bit because of the time lost this morning with a technical problem which ended my free practice session ahead of time.

"The track is very demanding with many places where you really feel the bumps and you have to maintain concentration all the time.

"Tomorrow I will do my best for myself and for the team."

MASSA FASTEST IN PRACTICE

CONSISTENCY KEY TO TITLE, SAYS MASSA

MASSA PLAYS DOWN LEAD

ALONSO FASTEST AGAIN

Alonso - topped the timesheet.

Fernando Alonso was once again fastest as he topped the timesheet in the final session of free practice ahead of qualifying for Sunday's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

The Renault driver, who had pipped McLaren's Lewis Hamilton to the fastest lap in second practice yesterday, clocked a time of one minute 44:506 seconds.

Hamilton finished 0.613 seconds behind his former team-mate in second while Ferrari's Felipe Massa was third with a time of 1:45.246.

Alonso's team-mate Nelson Piquet took fourth while Williams driver Nico Rosberg finished fifth.

Jenson Button's hopes of finishing in the points will have been boosted by another good practice session as he finished sixth fastest.

The Honda driver, who has three points so far this season, finished with a best lap time of 1:45.409.

Robert Kubica of BMW Sauber took seventh while Red Bull's Mark Webber enjoyed a good practice session to finish eighth.

Toro Rosso duo Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Bourdais finished ninth and 10th respectively.

Red Bull's David Coulthard managed just six laps after suffering technical problems early on and he finished a lowly 18th fastest.

There was frustration for defending world champion Kimi Raikkonen, however, as the Ferrari driver saw his practice brought to an end when he failed to return to the track after coming off at Turn Seven with 15 minutes remaining.

Hamilton had come out on top in the drivers' first taste of the floodlit circuit yesterday when he posted the quickest time in the first session of free practice.

The 23-year-old had looked on course to do the same in the second session only for Alonso to produce a superb last lap and set the fastest time shortly before the end.

Today, Hamilton took over 30 minutes before he recorded his first timed lap that saw him go second fastest behind Piquet.

Massa then topped the timesheet but only for a brief second as Hamilton dislodged the Brazilian with a time of 1:45.119.

But then Alonso once again took charge as he clocked the quickest time late on to give his qualifying hopes a boost.

Aside from Raikkonen, Force India driver Giancarlo Fisichella was the only other driver to have his session ended prematurely.

The Italian's car launched into the air when coming over a high curb at Turn 10 before crashing into the barrier.

MASSA FASTEST IN PRACTICE

PRACTICE PERFECT FOR HAMILTON

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

Hamilton - physical demands this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton admitted the Singapore street circuit was physically challenging after the McLaren driver enjoyed a solid display under the floodlights in free practice.

Hamilton had topped the timesheet in the first session ahead of championship rival Felipe Massa of Ferrari, clocking a time of one minute 45.518 seconds.

The 23-year-old Englishman had looked set to do the same in second practice after leading for majority of the session.

However, Renault driver and former team-mate Fernando Alonso produced a superb last-ditch lap time of 1:45.654secs to edge Hamilton by just 0.098secs.

And Stevenage-born Hamilton admitted he found the Marina Bay circuit twice as challenging as Monaco.

"It is a very physical circuit, more than I expected actually," he said. "You need to put in a lot of work into the car to get a good lap.

"On my first proper run I managed to find a half-decent line. I was able to get more comfortable with the car.

"On first impressions there seems to be quite a lot of grip on the track so you can brake quite late in the slower corners.

"I would say it requires double the energy of Monaco over a single lap. One lap around here is like two laps around Monaco.

"Through certain corners there were lots of bottoming and when you hit a bump it would throw the car about quite a bit. But it is an amazing venue."

This was the first chance for drivers and spectators alike to experience Formula One at night.

Concerns had been raised over visibility, especially as to how it would be affected should it rain.

After a downpour in the morning the weather improved as the day progressed and when the first cars took to the circuit this evening it was dry but for a small patch of water at the first corner.

And Hamilton admitted he had no issues with racing in the dark.

"The lights were not an issue for me," he added.

Massa, who trails Hamilton in the driver standings by a single point with four races remaining, felt practice was positive despite failing to set the fastest time in either sessions.

And the Brazilian insisted it was too early to say how the weekend will shape up.

"It was a positive day," said the 27-year-old. "This is only the start of the weekend and there is still a lot of work to do but we have got off on the right foot.

"The car is handling well, especially on the harder tyres, but we know the conditions will improve so it is too early to draw conclusions.

"I think we will be competitive, whether we will be more or less than our rivals I cannot yet say."

Jenson Button was pleased with performance in the second session after a time of 1:46.901 ensured he finished eighth quickest, while Red Bull's David Coulthard finished 15th in both sessions

"We didn't get the best out of the car on my final run with the new tyres due to too much understeer but it was still nice to end up eighth quickest," said Button.

The circuit claimed its first casualty in the opening session of free practice when Red Bull's Mark Webber ploughed into a barrier at Turn 18 on just his fourth lap.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello also crashed out in P1 when he spun off attempting to come round the final turn.

Jarno Trulli was fined Ј8,000 for driving in the wrong direction on the track after a spin in first practice. The Toyota driver decided to drive back up the circuit in order to enter the pits.

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

COULTHARD NOT READY TO RETIRE

BARRICHELLO MAKES PLEA

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

Hamilton - physical demands this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton admitted the Singapore street circuit was physically challenging after the McLaren driver enjoyed a solid display under the floodlights in free practice.

Hamilton had topped the timesheet in the first session ahead of championship rival Felipe Massa of Ferrari, clocking a time of one minute 45.518 seconds.

The 23-year-old Englishman had looked set to do the same in second practice after leading for majority of the session.

However, Renault driver and former team-mate Fernando Alonso produced a superb last-ditch lap time of 1:45.654secs to edge Hamilton by just 0.098secs.

And Stevenage-born Hamilton admitted he found the Marina Bay circuit twice as challenging as Monaco.

"It is a very physical circuit, more than I expected actually," he said. "You need to put in a lot of work into the car to get a good lap.

"On my first proper run I managed to find a half-decent line. I was able to get more comfortable with the car.

"On first impressions there seems to be quite a lot of grip on the track so you can brake quite late in the slower corners.

"I would say it requires double the energy of Monaco over a single lap. One lap around here is like two laps around Monaco.

"Through certain corners there were lots of bottoming and when you hit a bump it would throw the car about quite a bit. But it is an amazing venue."

This was the first chance for drivers and spectators alike to experience Formula One at night.

Concerns had been raised over visibility, especially as to how it would be affected should it rain.

After a downpour in the morning the weather improved as the day progressed and when the first cars took to the circuit this evening it was dry but for a small patch of water at the first corner.

And Hamilton admitted he had no issues with racing in the dark.

"The lights were not an issue for me," he added.

Massa, who trails Hamilton in the driver standings by a single point with four races remaining, felt practice was positive despite failing to set the fastest time in either sessions.

And the Brazilian insisted it was too early to say how the weekend will shape up.

"It was a positive day," said the 27-year-old. "This is only the start of the weekend and there is still a lot of work to do but we have got off on the right foot.

"The car is handling well, especially on the harder tyres, but we know the conditions will improve so it is too early to draw conclusions.

"I think we will be competitive, whether we will be more or less than our rivals I cannot yet say."

Jenson Button was pleased with performance in the second session after a time of 1:46.901 ensured he finished eighth quickest, while Red Bull's David Coulthard finished 15th in both sessions

"We didn't get the best out of the car on my final run with the new tyres due to too much understeer but it was still nice to end up eighth quickest," said Button.

The circuit claimed its first casualty in the opening session of free practice when Red Bull's Mark Webber ploughed into a barrier at Turn 18 on just his fourth lap.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello also crashed out in P1 when he spun off attempting to come round the final turn.

Jarno Trulli was fined Ј8,000 for driving in the wrong direction on the track after a spin in first practice. The Toyota driver decided to drive back up the circuit in order to enter the pits.

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

Hamilton - physical demands this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton admitted the Singapore street circuit was physically challenging after the McLaren driver enjoyed a solid display under the floodlights in free practice.

Hamilton had topped the timesheet in the first session ahead of championship rival Felipe Massa of Ferrari, clocking a time of one minute 45.518 seconds.

The 23-year-old Englishman had looked set to do the same in second practice after leading for majority of the session.

However, Renault driver and former team-mate Fernando Alonso produced a superb last-ditch lap time of 1:45.654secs to edge Hamilton by just 0.098secs.

And Stevenage-born Hamilton admitted he found the Marina Bay circuit twice as challenging as Monaco.

"It is a very physical circuit, more than I expected actually," he said. "You need to put in a lot of work into the car to get a good lap.

"On my first proper run I managed to find a half-decent line. I was able to get more comfortable with the car.

"On first impressions there seems to be quite a lot of grip on the track so you can brake quite late in the slower corners.

"I would say it requires double the energy of Monaco over a single lap. One lap around here is like two laps around Monaco.

"Through certain corners there were lots of bottoming and when you hit a bump it would throw the car about quite a bit. But it is an amazing venue."

This was the first chance for drivers and spectators alike to experience Formula One at night.

Concerns had been raised over visibility, especially as to how it would be affected should it rain.

After a downpour in the morning the weather improved as the day progressed and when the first cars took to the circuit this evening it was dry but for a small patch of water at the first corner.

And Hamilton admitted he had no issues with racing in the dark.

"The lights were not an issue for me," he added.

Massa, who trails Hamilton in the driver standings by a single point with four races remaining, felt practice was positive despite failing to set the fastest time in either sessions.

And the Brazilian insisted it was too early to say how the weekend will shape up.

"It was a positive day," said the 27-year-old. "This is only the start of the weekend and there is still a lot of work to do but we have got off on the right foot.

"The car is handling well, especially on the harder tyres, but we know the conditions will improve so it is too early to draw conclusions.

"I think we will be competitive, whether we will be more or less than our rivals I cannot yet say."

Jenson Button was pleased with performance in the second session after a time of 1:46.901 ensured he finished eighth quickest, while Red Bull's David Coulthard finished 15th in both sessions

"We didn't get the best out of the car on my final run with the new tyres due to too much understeer but it was still nice to end up eighth quickest," said Button.

The circuit claimed its first casualty in the opening session of free practice when Red Bull's Mark Webber ploughed into a barrier at Turn 18 on just his fourth lap.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello also crashed out in P1 when he spun off attempting to come round the final turn.

Jarno Trulli was fined Ј8,000 for driving in the wrong direction on the track after a spin in first practice. The Toyota driver decided to drive back up the circuit in order to enter the pits.

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

Hamilton - physical demands this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton admitted the Singapore street circuit was physically challenging after the McLaren driver enjoyed a solid display under the floodlights in free practice.

Hamilton had topped the timesheet in the first session ahead of championship rival Felipe Massa of Ferrari, clocking a time of one minute 45.518 seconds.

The 23-year-old Englishman had looked set to do the same in second practice after leading for majority of the session.

However, Renault driver and former team-mate Fernando Alonso produced a superb last-ditch lap time of 1:45.654secs to edge Hamilton by just 0.098secs.

And Stevenage-born Hamilton admitted he found the Marina Bay circuit twice as challenging as Monaco.

"It is a very physical circuit, more than I expected actually," he said. "You need to put in a lot of work into the car to get a good lap.

"On my first proper run I managed to find a half-decent line. I was able to get more comfortable with the car.

"On first impressions there seems to be quite a lot of grip on the track so you can brake quite late in the slower corners.

"I would say it requires double the energy of Monaco over a single lap. One lap around here is like two laps around Monaco.

"Through certain corners there were lots of bottoming and when you hit a bump it would throw the car about quite a bit. But it is an amazing venue."

This was the first chance for drivers and spectators alike to experience Formula One at night.

Concerns had been raised over visibility, especially as to how it would be affected should it rain.

After a downpour in the morning the weather improved as the day progressed and when the first cars took to the circuit this evening it was dry but for a small patch of water at the first corner.

And Hamilton admitted he had no issues with racing in the dark.

"The lights were not an issue for me," he added.

Massa, who trails Hamilton in the driver standings by a single point with four races remaining, felt practice was positive despite failing to set the fastest time in either sessions.

And the Brazilian insisted it was too early to say how the weekend will shape up.

"It was a positive day," said the 27-year-old. "This is only the start of the weekend and there is still a lot of work to do but we have got off on the right foot.

"The car is handling well, especially on the harder tyres, but we know the conditions will improve so it is too early to draw conclusions.

"I think we will be competitive, whether we will be more or less than our rivals I cannot yet say."

Jenson Button was pleased with performance in the second session after a time of 1:46.901 ensured he finished eighth quickest, while Red Bull's David Coulthard finished 15th in both sessions

"We didn't get the best out of the car on my final run with the new tyres due to too much understeer but it was still nice to end up eighth quickest," said Button.

The circuit claimed its first casualty in the opening session of free practice when Red Bull's Mark Webber ploughed into a barrier at Turn 18 on just his fourth lap.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello also crashed out in P1 when he spun off attempting to come round the final turn.

Jarno Trulli was fined Ј8,000 for driving in the wrong direction on the track after a spin in first practice. The Toyota driver decided to drive back up the circuit in order to enter the pits.

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

COULTHARD NOT READY TO RETIRE

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

Hamilton - physical demands this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton admitted the Singapore street circuit was physically challenging after the McLaren driver enjoyed a solid display under the floodlights in free practice.

Hamilton had topped the timesheet in the first session ahead of championship rival Felipe Massa of Ferrari, clocking a time of one minute 45.518 seconds.

The 23-year-old Englishman had looked set to do the same in second practice after leading for majority of the session.

However, Renault driver and former team-mate Fernando Alonso produced a superb last-ditch lap time of 1:45.654secs to edge Hamilton by just 0.098secs.

And Stevenage-born Hamilton admitted he found the Marina Bay circuit twice as challenging as Monaco.

"It is a very physical circuit, more than I expected actually," he said. "You need to put in a lot of work into the car to get a good lap.

"On my first proper run I managed to find a half-decent line. I was able to get more comfortable with the car.

"On first impressions there seems to be quite a lot of grip on the track so you can brake quite late in the slower corners.

"I would say it requires double the energy of Monaco over a single lap. One lap around here is like two laps around Monaco.

"Through certain corners there were lots of bottoming and when you hit a bump it would throw the car about quite a bit. But it is an amazing venue."

This was the first chance for drivers and spectators alike to experience Formula One at night.

Concerns had been raised over visibility, especially as to how it would be affected should it rain.

After a downpour in the morning the weather improved as the day progressed and when the first cars took to the circuit this evening it was dry but for a small patch of water at the first corner.

And Hamilton admitted he had no issues with racing in the dark.

"The lights were not an issue for me," he added.

Massa, who trails Hamilton in the driver standings by a single point with four races remaining, felt practice was positive despite failing to set the fastest time in either sessions.

And the Brazilian insisted it was too early to say how the weekend will shape up.

"It was a positive day," said the 27-year-old. "This is only the start of the weekend and there is still a lot of work to do but we have got off on the right foot.

"The car is handling well, especially on the harder tyres, but we know the conditions will improve so it is too early to draw conclusions.

"I think we will be competitive, whether we will be more or less than our rivals I cannot yet say."

Jenson Button was pleased with performance in the second session after a time of 1:46.901 ensured he finished eighth quickest, while Red Bull's David Coulthard finished 15th in both sessions

"We didn't get the best out of the car on my final run with the new tyres due to too much understeer but it was still nice to end up eighth quickest," said Button.

The circuit claimed its first casualty in the opening session of free practice when Red Bull's Mark Webber ploughed into a barrier at Turn 18 on just his fourth lap.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello also crashed out in P1 when he spun off attempting to come round the final turn.

Jarno Trulli was fined Ј8,000 for driving in the wrong direction on the track after a spin in first practice. The Toyota driver decided to drive back up the circuit in order to enter the pits.

HAMILTON READY FOR PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

COULTHARD NOT READY TO RETIRE

BARRICHELLO MAKES PLEA

PRACTICE PERFECT FOR HAMILTON

Hamilton - shone in first practice.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton shone in the opening practice session for this weekend's historic night race by setting the fastest lap in Singapore on Friday.

The McLaren driver, clocked a time of one minute 45.518 seconds under the floodlights at the Marina Bay street circuit.

Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who trails Hamilton in the driver standings by a single point, finished 0.080secs behind the 23-year-old in second place.

Massa's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen clocked a time of 1:45.961 to take third while McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen claimed fourth with a fastest lap of 1:46.463.

BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica completed the top five with a time of 1:46.618.

Williams driver Nico Rosberg recorded a time of 1:46.710 to take sixth place while two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who had briefly topped the timesheets, finished seventh in his Renault.

Nick Heidfeld of BMW Sauber, Renault's Nelson Piquet and Honda driver Jenson Button completed the top 10.

Red Bull's David Coulthard, eager to finish his Formula One career on a high, will be hoping for better after recording a time of 1:48.517 to finish 15th.

All eyes had been eagerly anticipating exactly how the circuit would look under floodlights and, as expected, it did not disappoint with all sections of the track brightly lit.

The rain and thunderstorms that had lashed Singapore in the morning failed to materialise in the evening meaning only a small section of standing water remained at Turn One as conditions were otherwise perfect.

Alonso, whose concerns regarding bumps at Turn 10 were allayed after the FIA rectified the issue, was quick from the start and set the initial pace but it did not take long for Hamilton to climb to the top of the standings.

Raikkonen briefly usurped Hamilton but the Englishman soon regained his lead, and he stayed there for the remainder of the session.

Mark Webber of Red Bull saw his practice ended early when he ploughed into the barrier at Turn 18 on only his fourth lap while Honda's Rubens Barrichello also crashed out when he spun off the track at the final corner.

Times
01 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:45.518 20 laps
02 F. Massa Ferrari 1:45.598 23 laps
03 K. Rдikkцnen Ferrari 1:45.961 24 laps
04 H. Kovalainen McLaren 1:46.463 20 laps
05 R. Kubica BMW 1:46.618 23 laps
06 N. Rosberg Williams 1:46.710 25 laps
07 F. Alonso Renault 1:46.725 29 laps
08 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:46.964 24 laps
09 N. Piquet jr. Renault 1:47.175 30 laps
10 J. Button Honda 1:47.277 30 laps
11 S. Vettel Toro Rosso 1:47.570 28 laps
12 K. Nakajima Williams 1:47.662 23 laps
13 T. Glock Toyota 1:47.706 27 laps
14 S. Bourdais Toro Rosso 1:48.097 16 laps
15 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:48.517 23 laps
16 R. Barrichello Honda 1:48.725 19 laps
17 A. Sutil Force India F1 1:48.839 24 laps
18 G. Fisichella Force India F1 1:48.906 25 laps
19 J. Trulli Toyota 1:49.064 29 laps
20 M. Webber Red Bull 1:53.703 4 laps

HAMILTON SETS PACE IN PRACTICE

FERRARI FASTEST IN FIRST PRACTICE

COULTHARD PRAGMATIC ON TORO ROSSO WIN

Coulthard - not embarrassed.

David Coulthard insists he is not embarrassed that the junior branch of the Red Bull team has enjoyed more success this season.

Toro Rosso's Sebastien Vettel was the surprise winner at Monza earlier this month, upstaging Red Bull Racing's team of Coulthard and Mark Webber.

Vettel will replace Coulthard at Red Bull Racing next season with the 37-year-old Scot taking up a consultancy role with the team.

"Obviously we would like to be the Red Bull part of the team that's doing the winning, that's obviously the focus as a team," said the veteran driver.

"They've managed to get there before us but I don't think there's any embarrassment on our part.

"Four years ago they started a journey to take Jaguar - as it was in those days - and take them forward into being a winning constructor and ultimately to challenge for championships in the future.

"I think four years in, you can say the first part of that dream is being realised, just with a different part of the Red Bull organisation than our team.

"We just have to take that on the chin and realise that there are areas that we've got to improve."

"The difference between McLaren and Ferrari on a given weekend is no more or less than the difference between Toro Rosso and ourselves on a given weekend.

"If McLaren get beaten, they are not embarrassed, they focus on trying to improve their job and likewise for Ferrari."

Teams have been preparing for the unknown this week with practice for Formula One's historic first night race in Singapore beginning later today.

Heavy rain once again hit the city-state early this morning and Coulthard admits he is most concerned about the effects a downpour will have on visibility should it happen during the evening.

"I think the biggest thing really is if we have a downpour and knowing what it's going to be like in the spray with the light refracting through the water," he added.

"We don't know how much it's going to hang in the air, so that would be the most difficult thing."

TORO ROSSO TRY OUT TWO

ULTIMATE LINE UP TORO MOVE

COULTHARD BACKS ALONSO AND VETTEL

BERNIE QUIET ON 'BURN-OUT' SOLUTION

Ecclestone - quiet.

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone refused to be drawn on whether changes will be made to the 2009 season to compensate for a lack of the traditional mid-summer break.

Next year's calendar runs from the end of March to November but is without the usual three-week break in August.

Consequently a number of teams have expressed concerns that drivers, engineers, mechanics and staff will suffer burn-out.

Possible solutions to make room in the schedule would be to move around the German, Hungarian or Turkish Grand Prix.

But Ecclestone was remaining quiet over the exact details of what could happen.

"Lets have a look," said the 77-year-old. "The movement is very jerky at the moment but we are going to do something."

Ecclestone is currently in Singapore where Formula One's historic first night race will take place on Sunday.

And asked whether it is a dream come true Ecclestone replied: "Yes it is.

"I think this is going to be good and I am anxious to see how it looks on television. That is what we have done it for so let's see how it works."

DONINGTON WILL BE READY - GILLETT

ECCLESTONE QUESTIONS SILVERSTONE

ALONSO CONCERNS OVER CIRCUIT

Alonso - first day gone well.

Fernando Alonso declared himself satisfied after topping the timesheets in the second free practice session ahead of the inaugural night race in Singapore this weekend.

The Renault driver left it late to produce a scintillating lap and clock a time of one minute 45.654 seconds to edge championship leader Lewis Hamilton by 0.098secs.

McLaren's Hamilton, who came out on top in first practice earlier in the evening, had led for the majority of practice until Alonso took charge.

However, practice was not without its problems for the Spaniard, who found the circuit challenging while conceding some areas were not as well lit as others.

"The first day of work has gone well," he said. "The circuit is interesting, very bumpy in places, especially into turn number seven and we have to keep an eye on that because it can become a problem.

"In terms of the lighting, when I walked the track I was impressed but behind the wheel at 300km per hour, some parts of the track are a bit dark.

"Despite that this is an amazing opportunity for the spectators to attend a night race and I am satisfied with my day."

Pat Symonds, executive director of engineering at Renault, felt the Singapore circuit surpassed his expectations and believes it is a positive step forward for Formula One.

"It is always exciting to come to a new track and the spectacle in Singapore is even better than I imagined," he said.

"It is a really exciting new era for Formula One and I would like to congratulate all of those who made it possible.

"Our cars and drivers seemed to be pretty competitive this evening so let's see what tomorrow brings us."

The circuit took its first casualty in first practice when Red Bull's Mark Webber ploughed into a barrier at Turn 18 on only his fourth lap.

But the Australian claimed the setback has provided him with some valuable information on the circuit ahead of the weekend.

"It's a nice track, they've done a good job with it," said Webber. "My first session was much too short, as I got into the little chicane a bit too hot and hit the wall. I should have gone down the escape road, but hindsight is a great thing.

"Even though we lost a lot of track time, I feel we've made a reasonable recovery. There's still quite a bit of work to do, but at least I've now got a good idea about the circuit. Running at night seems okay, but I might make a few tweaks to my visor and tear-offs."

TRULLI’S SINGAPORE CONCERNS

ALONSO: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

HAMILTON PUTS FAITH IN CAR

Hamilton - not fazed by rain.

Lewis Hamilton insists he is not fazed by the prospect of rain at this weekend's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

Having had his Belgian Grand Prix penalty appeal ruled inadmissible on Tuesday the McLaren driver holds a slender one-point lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa in the drivers' standings with only four races remaining.

Thunderstorms and rain have been forecast for this weekend's historic night race, leading to concerns over reflection and glare from the lights off water collecting on the circuit.

However, Hamilton, who usually thrives in wet races, has every confidence in his car to perform regardless of the conditions.

"The weather forecast says it will rain all week but every time I have woken up it is dry and quite warm," said the 23-year-old.

"It has been raining in the morning but has stopped by the time I get up so hopefully it will be the same this weekend.

"We always hope for a dry race as it is a lot easier to keep the car on the track and push it to the limit.

"If we had a slower car in the dry I'd probably be praying for the rain but the fact is we have a competitive car in both conditions."

Qualifying will be crucial this weekend as, like other street circuits, overtaking opportunities will be limited in Singapore.

And for Hamilton there is one driver in particular he is hoping he does not find in front of him come Sunday.

"I'd say the hardest person to overtake is Robert Kubica," he added. "He is an unknown suspect.

"I have been racing with him since go-karts and you have to have a lot of respect for him when racing together.

"Out of all the drivers, he makes it the hardest."

With the title race so close, Hamilton sees the remainder of the season as a "four-race championship", but he is confident his team will ensure he has the best possible chance of claiming a maiden world title.

"I think we start from scratch," he said. "There is only one point so I can't say I have a comfortable lead.

"I have to look at this race the same as I have the others this season and really try to attack this weekend.

"We have a great package and we have done a great job to prepare the car and it is now down to me to give the right feedback and make sure I take the right steps over the weekend.

"I really feel confident but you can't run before you walk so we have to take our time and make sure we don't get ahead of ourselves.

"There will be a few competitors pushing for the win so we have to do the best job we can."

Team-mate Heikki Kovalainen vowed to help Hamilton in his world title pursuit - but is also hoping for success himself.

"The best I can do for the team is take as many points as possible from the other drivers," he said. "If I have a chance to win, I will take it.

"The circuit here looks great. I ran it on Tuesday and I expect it will be a very exciting race."

McLAREN FAITH IN HEIKKI

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

RAIKKONEN PUTS FERRARI IN CHARGE

HAMILTON QUIET OVER CALL FOR CHANGE

Hamilton - 'moving forward'.

Lewis Hamilton has refused to be drawn on calls for FIA rule changes following McLaren's failed appeal and insists he is focused solely on capturing his maiden World Championship title.

The International Court of Appeal ruled McLaren's protest at the 25-second drive-through penalty handed to Hamilton at the recent Belgian Grand Prix as inadmissible.

Consequently, Hamilton's lead at the top of drivers' standings is just a single point over Ferrari's Felipe Massa going into this weekend's historic Singapore Grand Prix.

Sir Jackie Stewart has demanded that the FIA employ permanent, professional stewards for each race in order to ensure consistency in their decision-making.

However, when asked for his opinion on the three-time world champion's comments, Hamilton stressed he has put the decision behind him in order to concentrate on picking up the points he needs in the remaining four races.

"Its not for me to comment on it," said the 23-year-old. "I haven't spoke to Jackie or read any comments.

"I am not focusing on the past and I am just moving forward and concentrating on the next race."

The hearing was no doubt an unwelcome distraction for Hamilton ahead of Formula One's first night race on Singapore's street circuit.

But the Stevenage-born driver insisted it had not affected his preparations as he looks to claim his fifth victory this season.

"It didn't really disrupt my week to be honest because I went straight to the airport and got on the plane," he added.

"We went there and gave it our best shot, perhaps it wasn't the best result but we move on.

"It is all in the past now and we must focus on the next four races. We approach them with the same confidence as we have the last ones.

"We have come here no different to how we went to Monza and we are just going to try and do a good job this weekend.

"We are all in the unknown but we have come here to try and score as many points as we can.

"The key is to score as many as we can in the last four races and be consistent."

HAMILTON LEARNS FROM FINNS

COULTHARD QUIET OVER F1 FUTURE

MASSA: HAMILTON STILL THREAT

FIA MUST ADDRESS COMPLAINTS

Hamilton - hard done to?

It is high time for the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile to listen to their objectors and impose positive changes in order to safeguard the future integrity of Formula One.

Yet again this week we had a truly unsurprising instance of motor sport's world governing body hiding behind the hundreds of pages and myriad of chapters and appendices that make up their Sporting Code.

Presiding over McLaren's appeal into Lewis Hamilton's 25-second drive-through penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix, the five judges from Monaco, Switzerland, Austria, Holland and Spain applied the letter of the law.

No harm there, you might ascertain, but in determining the protest was inadmissible from the outset, "the substance of our appeal", as noted by McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh, was never once debated.

In short, Monday's International Court of Appeal hearing inside the walls of the FIA's illustrious headquarters overlooking the Place de la Concorde in Paris was a complete and utter waste of time and money, around Ј1million to be precise.

When the verdict was made public on Tuesday, there was a feeling of deflation, of being short-changed, that the whole process just 24 hours previously had been nothing more than a sham.

In court there were two eminent QCs, a raft of other lawyers, the team principal for Ferrari, Whitmarsh, and of course, Hamilton.

The stage was set, but after five and a half hours of debate, legal argument, of weighing up video evidence and telemetry, what emerged from the verdict rendered it nothing more than a side-show.

Formula One's reputation, already sullied by last season's spy saga and FIA president Max Mosley's antics this year, had suffered further injury.

Not from the judges in one respect because they merely followed the regulations, even though the wording in the FIA rule book that a drive-through penalty is "not susceptible to an appeal" offers a ray of hope to any appellant as it is not entirely conclusive.

However, the least they could have done, with permission from the FIA, was shed some light on the one reason why so many prominent figures had gathered in Paris in the first place, to discuss Hamilton's penalty.

So the appeal was inadmissible, fair enough, but to leave open to conjecture the incident that had been the hot topic of discussion for the previous fortnight, and had enraged many, including former drivers and fans, merely added to the post-verdict sourness.

If they had mulled over the matter it is almost certain they would have sided with Hamilton for the reason that led to them initially dismissing the appeal - the rules.

Or in this case, the lack of one, because while it is accepted a driver has to cede back advantage if he has cut a corner and gained a place, there is nothing in the regulations that states he has to bide his time before making an attempt to again pass.

That is unwritten code between the drivers, and not something you will find typed up on any page of the FIA's detailed documents.

For reasons of clarity going forward, that needs to be addressed, but more pertinent than the addition of one extra rule is the role of the stewards.

It is the three "amateurs", as Sir Jackie Stewart is fond of calling them, who led the sport down a road it really could have done with avoiding.

How is the sport meant to retain its appeal to its millions of fans worldwide when those who sit in judgment on the kind of event that transpired at Spa lack credibility?

The stewards are rotated race by race, so the trio in Belgium were different to those in Valencia, and different again to the three men most recently in Italy.

The FIA argue it is to ensure they remain impartial, but that lends itself to the prospect of them being unprofessional and unable to pass judgment without impunity.

The FIA need professionalism at this level because the decisions of their stewards are increasingly being drawn more sharply into focus and argued over.

There are those, such as Niki Lauda, who maintain a former Formula One driver should be full-time on the panel to offer an objective viewpoint.

Again the FIA would counter a driver would have prior allegiance to a team on the grid, potentially helping to sway any decision.

So how, then, can they employ Alan Donnelly, a 'stewards' overlord', and the only man to question Hamilton in Spa when he was summoned to give his version of events, who previously made money out of Ferrari's road car division?

The FIA's moral and ethical principles are on the line here, but will they alter their ethos? That is doubtful.

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

STEWART: HAMILTON WILL RESPOND

HAMILTON FOCUSED ON SINGAPORE

KUBICA RELISHING NIGHT TEST

Kubica - 'very excited'.

Robert Kubica believes racing at night will prove no more challenging than any other race of the season as he looks to keep his title hopes alive at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.

The BMW Sauber driver is currently third in the drivers' standings with 64 points, 14 behind leader Lewis Hamilton.

Kubica's only victory this season came at the Canadian Grand Prix but he is confident of a good performance this weekend having finished on the podium in two of the last three races.

The 23-year-old has also performed well on street circuits this year, finishing second and third in Monaco and Valencia respectively.

"I am looking forward to Singapore, as the grand prix will be the second new race of the season," said Kubica.

"Racing on new tracks is always interesting - I enjoy it very much and I am very excited.

"Beyond that, I am extremely happy to race on another street circuit as I am a big fan of street circuits.

"Lots of people consider it interesting that the race will start at night. But from a driver's perspective, I think it does not make a big difference whether we race in the daylight or at night."

The weather also looks set to be a factor this weekend after rain hit Singapore on Wednesday, heightening concerns it could affect drivers' visibility. But Kubica has every confidence in the FIA to ensure the race is as safe as possible.

"There are still some question marks regarding weather conditions and - related to the chance of rain - the light situation," he added.

"I am sure the FIA have done everything to make it a safe race."

BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen believes the Singapore Grand Prix will become the highlight event of the season.

The Marina Bay street circuit is the second unknown quantity on the calendar this year after Valencia but, with the added draw of the race being staged at night, Thessien is confident it will be the most exciting yet.

"In Singapore the action will also be taking place at night - and that in an Asian metropolis and against an amazing backdrop. This will give the event even more appeal and excitement," he said.

"You only need to think of the special atmosphere you get at a football match under floodlights: the surroundings melt into the background, the action itself takes centre stage.

"I'm expecting this premiere in Singapore to be the highlight of the season."

TRULLI’S SINGAPORE CONCERNS

BUTTON POINTS TO CRUCIAL BUILD-UP

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

STEWART: HAMILTON WILL RESPOND

Hamilton - holds one-point lead.

Sir Jackie Stewart believes Lewis Hamilton will turn the latest FIA farce to his advantage this weekend.

Hamilton's hopes of taking a seven-point lead into Formula One's first night race in Singapore on Sunday were quashed on Tuesday.

The International Court of Appeal ruled McLaren's protest into the retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty handed to Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix earlier this month was inadmissible.

The 23-year-old conceded to being "disappointed but not depressed" at an outcome that has been viewed with derision in some quarters.

But three-times former Formula One world champion Stewart feels Hamilton will use the unsatisfactory decision to spur him on.

"It's a disappointing verdict, and I would have thought if it was inadmissible they would have said so earlier," Stewart said in Singapore.

"But then FIA appeals are not famous for being won by the teams or drivers. The FIA never seem to overturn these kind of decisions.

"However, it was a very poor decision by the stewards in the first place.

"Niki Lauda and I have both been of the very strong opinion Lewis Hamilton did not do anything wrong.

"But despite what has happened this week, I am sure he will not let it affect him in any way.

"I am sure he will use what was nothing more than a setback in a positive manner because at the end of the day he is still in the lead in the championship.

"With four races to go he will head into the first of those this weekend wanting to win, the same for the next race in Japan.

"Beyond that for the last two races, much will depend on what has happened with Felipe Massa, Robert Kubica and Kimi Raikkonen.

"Only from then will tactics maybe come into it, but before then, he has to go out and try to win. I am sure that is the way he will approach it."

Not for the first time, though, this latest decision from the FIA has left an unsavoury taste in the mouth of Stewart.

The 69-year-old is again calling on world motorsport's governing body to employ permanent, professional stewards for each race to ensure there is a degree of consistency in their decision making.

"I've said it before, but the governance of Formula One has to change, and what took place this week is the latest example to highlight that," insisted Stewart.

"The inconsistency of the decision making is not correct for a sport that has such incredible investment involved in it.

"We need the appointment of full-time stewards because at the moment we have different stewards at every grand prix.

"The three stewards at Spa were different from those at Valencia the race before, and different again to those at Monza a weekend later.

"That says a lot for what is missing. It has to change otherwise the sport could start to lose its credibility."

HAMILTON SHOW IMPRESSES STEWART

STEWART PONDERS CONSPIRACY THEORY

BUTTON POINTS TO CRUCIAL BUILD-UP

Button - looking forward to the challenge.

Jenson Button believes that pre-race preparations are more important than ever as Formula One gears up for its historic first night race in Singapore this weekend.

With the 28-year-old having managed just one top-10 finish this year the Singapore Grand Prix will provide an exciting new challenge as, with the race providing a new experience for all the drivers, anything could happen come Sunday.

Consequently the Honda driver is keen to ensure he is in perfect condition for the race and increase his chances of adding to his three points this season.

"For a flyaway race, it is always better to arrive as early as possible to acclimatise to the time zone," he said. "However for the night race in Singapore the situation is quite the opposite.

"We will be operating to a European timeframe which will be tough as it means staying awake throughout the night and sleeping for practically the whole day before starting the engineering and running schedule from 1700.

"We have approached the race weekend timing very carefully for this race and will concentrate on getting our rest and nutrition right to ensure the body is ready to react in the right way when required.

"The first night race is very exciting for the sport and I can't wait to see what conditions the floodlighting will present.

"It's going to be quite a challenge but one that I'm really looking forward to."

Behind the scenes teams have been working flat out to assess and reduce any complications the race could potentially present.

With the threat of rain a factor to consider as well as working through to the early hours of the morning, engineers and technical staff having been working hard to ensure everything is ready.

However, for Honda team principle Ross Brawn the challenges that the research and preparations has produced has been a thrilling experience.

"The first Formula One night race, and of course a brand new circuit, presents a number of unique and exciting challenges for the team and we have greatly enjoyed working on these.

"First and foremost, it will be the first time that a Formula One race has been run under lights.

"We have done a great deal of research into this, particularly at the Moto GP race earlier this year, and our sporting rirector visited the Singapore track for the lighting test and was very impressed with the facilities."

The Singapore race is the second Grand Prix to take place in a city-state this season after Monaco.

However that is where the similarities end, with the Asian street circuit certain to pose a different challenge to its European counterpart.

"To prepare for the new track, both our drivers have been working on the simulator at our Brackley headquarters which assists with learning the track layout, gears and downforce levels," added Brawn.

"The circuit itself is tight, twisty and very narrow in places and it will be even slower than Monaco, with all of Monaco's traditional challenges."

SINGAPORE WET THREAT

TRULLI’S SINGAPORE CONCERNS

BUTTON POINTS TO CRUCIAL BUILD-UP

Button - looking forward to the challenge.

Jenson Button believes that pre-race preparations are more important than ever as Formula One gears up for its historic first night race in Singapore this weekend.

With the 28-year-old having managed just one top-10 finish this year the Singapore Grand Prix will provide an exciting new challenge as, with the race providing a new experience for all the drivers, anything could happen come Sunday.

Consequently the Honda driver is keen to ensure he is in perfect condition for the race and increase his chances of adding to his three points this season.

"For a flyaway race, it is always better to arrive as early as possible to acclimatise to the time zone," he said. "However for the night race in Singapore the situation is quite the opposite.

"We will be operating to a European timeframe which will be tough as it means staying awake throughout the night and sleeping for practically the whole day before starting the engineering and running schedule from 1700.

"We have approached the race weekend timing very carefully for this race and will concentrate on getting our rest and nutrition right to ensure the body is ready to react in the right way when required.

"The first night race is very exciting for the sport and I can't wait to see what conditions the floodlighting will present.

"It's going to be quite a challenge but one that I'm really looking forward to."

Behind the scenes teams have been working flat out to assess and reduce any complications the race could potentially present.

With the threat of rain a factor to consider as well as working through to the early hours of the morning, engineers and technical staff having been working hard to ensure everything is ready.

However, for Honda team principle Ross Brawn the challenges that the research and preparations has produced has been a thrilling experience.

"The first Formula One night race, and of course a brand new circuit, presents a number of unique and exciting challenges for the team and we have greatly enjoyed working on these.

"First and foremost, it will be the first time that a Formula One race has been run under lights.

"We have done a great deal of research into this, particularly at the Moto GP race earlier this year, and our sporting rirector visited the Singapore track for the lighting test and was very impressed with the facilities."

The Singapore race is the second Grand Prix to take place in a city-state this season after Monaco.

However that is where the similarities end, with the Asian street circuit certain to pose a different challenge to its European counterpart.

"To prepare for the new track, both our drivers have been working on the simulator at our Brackley headquarters which assists with learning the track layout, gears and downforce levels," added Brawn.

"The circuit itself is tight, twisty and very narrow in places and it will be even slower than Monaco, with all of Monaco's traditional challenges."

SINGAPORE WET THREAT

TRULLI’S SINGAPORE CONCERNS

SINGAPORE WET THREAT

Singapore - could be hit by rain.

The weather looks set to pose an additional challenge at Formula One's first night race with forecasters predicting a good chance of rain ahead of this weekend's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

Drivers and teams already have to contend with the difficulties of trying to acclimatise to the time difference, with many opting to remain on European time in order to stay fresh for the late finishes ahead.

Formula One's governing body the FIA conducted a night test on the Indianapolis circuit in the United States last year, stressing they would only sanction a night race if it was completing safe.

However, a heavy downpour broke over Singapore this morning, prompting concerns it could extend through to the weekend and affect visibility and performance on the street circuit.

Martin Whitmarsh, the chief executive of British-based McLaren, said: "If it rains, there is the unknown of whether there will be a problem with glare or the sparkle of light from droplets of rain that is greater than you would ordinarily get.

"To manage this potential, we are using coatings for the visors that won't allow droplets to collect."

Despite the visor precautions, drivers will still have to contend with the potential problem of glare and reflections from water collecting on the circuit itself.

And although no-one can be exactly sure how that might affect performance, teams have been putting in the hours on the simulator to ensure they are as prepared as possible.

"There is a strong possibility of rain during the evening, which is normal in such a humid climate," said Williams technical director Sam Michael.

"At this stage, a likely strategy scenario is unknown although we have some data from our work on the simulator, we will have to wait until we get circuit data for tyre degradation and pit lane loss time."

Honda team principle Ross Brawn is also wary of the potential challenges the addition of wet weather could pose but is confident it will only add to the excitement of the race.

"The weather will be a key factor in the weekend," he said.

"It will be hot, wet and very humid and local statistics tell us that there is a 50% chance of rain on any given day in September.

"These are difficult conditions to work in for both the team and the drivers; however it could lead to some very exciting on-track moments on a circuit which is lined with barriers."

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton goes into the race with a one-point lead over Ferrari driver Felipe Massa after losing his appeal yesterday against his Belgian Grand Prix penalty.

Despite finishing seventh in Monza earlier this month, the 23-year-old usually impresses in the wet conditions having won at Silverstone and Monaco this year.

And Hamilton admits he is looking forward the challenge the race will present.

"I've never raced at night before, but I don't think it is going to be a problem," said Hamilton.

"It doesn't seem to be a problem in other sports and there have been huge preparations for this, so I think it will be great.

"We are racing on another street circuit, which are a particular favourite of mine and from what I understand it is wide and fairly flowing in nature, which is not what you usually expect from a street circuit.

"It sounds like it will be pretty spectacular."

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

BUTTON POINTS TO CRUCIAL BUILD-UP

SINGAPORE WET THREAT

Singapore - could be hit by rain.

The weather looks set to pose an additional challenge at Formula One's first night race with forecasters predicting a good chance of rain ahead of this weekend's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

Drivers and teams already have to contend with the difficulties of trying to acclimatise to the time difference, with many opting to remain on European time in order to stay fresh for the late finishes ahead.

Formula One's governing body the FIA conducted a night test on the Indianapolis circuit in the United States last year, stressing they would only sanction a night race if it was completing safe.

However, a heavy downpour broke over Singapore this morning, prompting concerns it could extend through to the weekend and affect visibility and performance on the street circuit.

Martin Whitmarsh, the chief executive of British-based McLaren, said: "If it rains, there is the unknown of whether there will be a problem with glare or the sparkle of light from droplets of rain that is greater than you would ordinarily get.

"To manage this potential, we are using coatings for the visors that won't allow droplets to collect."

Despite the visor precautions, drivers will still have to contend with the potential problem of glare and reflections from water collecting on the circuit itself.

And although no-one can be exactly sure how that might affect performance, teams have been putting in the hours on the simulator to ensure they are as prepared as possible.

"There is a strong possibility of rain during the evening, which is normal in such a humid climate," said Williams technical director Sam Michael.

"At this stage, a likely strategy scenario is unknown although we have some data from our work on the simulator, we will have to wait until we get circuit data for tyre degradation and pit lane loss time."

Honda team principle Ross Brawn is also wary of the potential challenges the addition of wet weather could pose but is confident it will only add to the excitement of the race.

"The weather will be a key factor in the weekend," he said.

"It will be hot, wet and very humid and local statistics tell us that there is a 50% chance of rain on any given day in September.

"These are difficult conditions to work in for both the team and the drivers; however it could lead to some very exciting on-track moments on a circuit which is lined with barriers."

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton goes into the race with a one-point lead over Ferrari driver Felipe Massa after losing his appeal yesterday against his Belgian Grand Prix penalty.

Despite finishing seventh in Monza earlier this month, the 23-year-old usually impresses in the wet conditions having won at Silverstone and Monaco this year.

And Hamilton admits he is looking forward the challenge the race will present.

"I've never raced at night before, but I don't think it is going to be a problem," said Hamilton.

"It doesn't seem to be a problem in other sports and there have been huge preparations for this, so I think it will be great.

"We are racing on another street circuit, which are a particular favourite of mine and from what I understand it is wide and fairly flowing in nature, which is not what you usually expect from a street circuit.

"It sounds like it will be pretty spectacular."

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

BUTTON POINTS TO CRUCIAL BUILD-UP

HAMILTON TAKES THE HARD ROUTE

SINGAPORE WET THREAT

Singapore - could be hit by rain.

The weather looks set to pose an additional challenge at Formula One's first night race with forecasters predicting a good chance of rain ahead of this weekend's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

Drivers and teams already have to contend with the difficulties of trying to acclimatise to the time difference, with many opting to remain on European time in order to stay fresh for the late finishes ahead.

Formula One's governing body the FIA conducted a night test on the Indianapolis circuit in the United States last year, stressing they would only sanction a night race if it was completing safe.

However, a heavy downpour broke over Singapore this morning, prompting concerns it could extend through to the weekend and affect visibility and performance on the street circuit.

Martin Whitmarsh, the chief executive of British-based McLaren, said: "If it rains, there is the unknown of whether there will be a problem with glare or the sparkle of light from droplets of rain that is greater than you would ordinarily get.

"To manage this potential, we are using coatings for the visors that won't allow droplets to collect."

Despite the visor precautions, drivers will still have to contend with the potential problem of glare and reflections from water collecting on the circuit itself.

And although no-one can be exactly sure how that might affect performance, teams have been putting in the hours on the simulator to ensure they are as prepared as possible.

"There is a strong possibility of rain during the evening, which is normal in such a humid climate," said Williams technical director Sam Michael.

"At this stage, a likely strategy scenario is unknown although we have some data from our work on the simulator, we will have to wait until we get circuit data for tyre degradation and pit lane loss time."

Honda team principle Ross Brawn is also wary of the potential challenges the addition of wet weather could pose but is confident it will only add to the excitement of the race.

"The weather will be a key factor in the weekend," he said.

"It will be hot, wet and very humid and local statistics tell us that there is a 50% chance of rain on any given day in September.

"These are difficult conditions to work in for both the team and the drivers; however it could lead to some very exciting on-track moments on a circuit which is lined with barriers."

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton goes into the race with a one-point lead over Ferrari driver Felipe Massa after losing his appeal yesterday against his Belgian Grand Prix penalty.

Despite finishing seventh in Monza earlier this month, the 23-year-old usually impresses in the wet conditions having won at Silverstone and Monaco this year.

And Hamilton admits he is looking forward the challenge the race will present.

"I've never raced at night before, but I don't think it is going to be a problem," said Hamilton.

"It doesn't seem to be a problem in other sports and there have been huge preparations for this, so I think it will be great.

"We are racing on another street circuit, which are a particular favourite of mine and from what I understand it is wide and fairly flowing in nature, which is not what you usually expect from a street circuit.

"It sounds like it will be pretty spectacular."

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

BUTTON POINTS TO CRUCIAL BUILD-UP

HAMILTON TAKES THE HARD ROUTE

SINGAPORE WET THREAT

Singapore - could be hit by rain.

The weather looks set to pose an additional challenge at Formula One's first night race with forecasters predicting a good chance of rain ahead of this weekend's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

Drivers and teams already have to contend with the difficulties of trying to acclimatise to the time difference, with many opting to remain on European time in order to stay fresh for the late finishes ahead.

Formula One's governing body the FIA conducted a night test on the Indianapolis circuit in the United States last year, stressing they would only sanction a night race if it was completing safe.

However, a heavy downpour broke over Singapore this morning, prompting concerns it could extend through to the weekend and affect visibility and performance on the street circuit.

Martin Whitmarsh, the chief executive of British-based McLaren, said: "If it rains, there is the unknown of whether there will be a problem with glare or the sparkle of light from droplets of rain that is greater than you would ordinarily get.

"To manage this potential, we are using coatings for the visors that won't allow droplets to collect."

Despite the visor precautions, drivers will still have to contend with the potential problem of glare and reflections from water collecting on the circuit itself.

And although no-one can be exactly sure how that might affect performance, teams have been putting in the hours on the simulator to ensure they are as prepared as possible.

"There is a strong possibility of rain during the evening, which is normal in such a humid climate," said Williams technical director Sam Michael.

"At this stage, a likely strategy scenario is unknown although we have some data from our work on the simulator, we will have to wait until we get circuit data for tyre degradation and pit lane loss time."

Honda team principle Ross Brawn is also wary of the potential challenges the addition of wet weather could pose but is confident it will only add to the excitement of the race.

"The weather will be a key factor in the weekend," he said.

"It will be hot, wet and very humid and local statistics tell us that there is a 50% chance of rain on any given day in September.

"These are difficult conditions to work in for both the team and the drivers; however it could lead to some very exciting on-track moments on a circuit which is lined with barriers."

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton goes into the race with a one-point lead over Ferrari driver Felipe Massa after losing his appeal yesterday against his Belgian Grand Prix penalty.

Despite finishing seventh in Monza earlier this month, the 23-year-old usually impresses in the wet conditions having won at Silverstone and Monaco this year.

And Hamilton admits he is looking forward the challenge the race will present.

"I've never raced at night before, but I don't think it is going to be a problem," said Hamilton.

"It doesn't seem to be a problem in other sports and there have been huge preparations for this, so I think it will be great.

"We are racing on another street circuit, which are a particular favourite of mine and from what I understand it is wide and fairly flowing in nature, which is not what you usually expect from a street circuit.

"It sounds like it will be pretty spectacular."

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

HAMILTON TAKES THE HARD ROUTE

MASSA: KIMI STILL A THREAT

SINGAPORE WET THREAT

Singapore - could be hit by rain.

The weather looks set to pose an additional challenge at Formula One's first night race with forecasters predicting a good chance of rain ahead of this weekend's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

Drivers and teams already have to contend with the difficulties of trying to acclimatise to the time difference, with many opting to remain on European time in order to stay fresh for the late finishes ahead.

Formula One's governing body the FIA conducted a night test on the Indianapolis circuit in the United States last year, stressing they would only sanction a night race if it was completing safe.

However, a heavy downpour broke over Singapore this morning, prompting concerns it could extend through to the weekend and affect visibility and performance on the street circuit.

Martin Whitmarsh, the chief executive of British-based McLaren, said: "If it rains, there is the unknown of whether there will be a problem with glare or the sparkle of light from droplets of rain that is greater than you would ordinarily get.

"To manage this potential, we are using coatings for the visors that won't allow droplets to collect."

Despite the visor precautions, drivers will still have to contend with the potential problem of glare and reflections from water collecting on the circuit itself.

And although no-one can be exactly sure how that might affect performance, teams have been putting in the hours on the simulator to ensure they are as prepared as possible.

"There is a strong possibility of rain during the evening, which is normal in such a humid climate," said Williams technical director Sam Michael.

"At this stage, a likely strategy scenario is unknown although we have some data from our work on the simulator, we will have to wait until we get circuit data for tyre degradation and pit lane loss time."

Honda team principle Ross Brawn is also wary of the potential challenges the addition of wet weather could pose but is confident it will only add to the excitement of the race.

"The weather will be a key factor in the weekend," he said.

"It will be hot, wet and very humid and local statistics tell us that there is a 50% chance of rain on any given day in September.

"These are difficult conditions to work in for both the team and the drivers; however it could lead to some very exciting on-track moments on a circuit which is lined with barriers."

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton goes into the race with a one-point lead over Ferrari driver Felipe Massa after losing his appeal yesterday against his Belgian Grand Prix penalty.

Despite finishing seventh in Monza earlier this month, the 23-year-old usually impresses in the wet conditions having won at Silverstone and Monaco this year.

And Hamilton admits he is looking forward the challenge the race will present.

"I've never raced at night before, but I don't think it is going to be a problem," said Hamilton.

"It doesn't seem to be a problem in other sports and there have been huge preparations for this, so I think it will be great.

"We are racing on another street circuit, which are a particular favourite of mine and from what I understand it is wide and fairly flowing in nature, which is not what you usually expect from a street circuit.

"It sounds like it will be pretty spectacular."

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

HAMILTON TAKES THE HARD ROUTE

MASSA: KIMI STILL A THREAT

HAMILTON: I MUST BEAT MASSA

Hamilton - feeling confident.

With the Belgian court drama finally out of the way, the attention shifts back to the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa.

Hamilton will start this weekend's night race in Singapore just one point ahead of Massa. Whoever wins this weekend will take a massive step to securing their first World Championship.

However, things will be tricky for both drivers. Not only will they have to come to terms with driving in the night and under flightlights, but they will also have to deal with monsoonal rain.

The objective, though, will be simple for both drivers: finish the race in front of your main title rival.

Hamilton is confident he can win the Drivers' Championship, although he is not quite sure what to expect in Singapore this weekend.

"He (Massa) is the guy I have to beat. He has a good car and is a good driver," Hamilton is quoted by AFP.

"Singapore is a night time circuit, which none of us have experienced before, but we'll be OK. I have to make every sacrifice in the last four races. I honestly feel confident in my ability to win the Championship."

Massa echoed Hamilton's sentiments and says he will keep trying until the final race of the season.

"This year, we have seen a lot of rain in the races," the Brazilian said.

"But we are keeping our feet on the ground and we are working day by day. All I must do is to keep trying and make sure I'm in front of Hamilton."

KLIEN: MASSA WILL WIN TITLE

MASSA: HAMILTON STILL THREAT

MASSA: KIMI STILL A THREAT

HAMILTON FOCUSED ON SINGAPORE

Hamilton - focusing on Singapore.

Lewis Hamilton will now single-mindedly focus on Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix after putting behind him the disappointment of McLaren's failed appeal.

McLaren's protest at the 25-second drive-through penalty handed to Hamilton at the recent Belgian Grand Prix which relegated him from first to third was on Tuesday unsurprisingly ruled as inadmissible.

The five FIA International Court of Appeal judges felt there was no case to answer as they applied the letter of law in reaching their verdict.

Their decision means Hamilton goes into the first night race in the history of Formula One still in possession of a slender one-point cushion over Ferrari's Felipe Massa when it could have been seven.

That is of little consequence now for the 23-year-old who knows all that matters is how he and McLaren perform for the remaining four grands prix.

"I don't bank on anything other than myself and my team, and so I am focused on my challenge and my racing," insisted Hamilton.

"I'm not thinking about the title or the other drivers, just about doing the best job I can each time I get into the car.

"Clearly a number of drivers can still win the title, and so I have to make sure I do my best."

Appreciably, though, there was frustration from Hamilton with the decision of the judges as he had urged them on Monday to see the truth.

But they did not even get so far as debating the case surrounding his manoeuvre on Raikkonen at Spa that sparked a furious debate.

Effectively, Hamilton spent an hour in the dock at the hearing in Paris on Monday defending the legitimacy of his corner-cutting move for nothing.

Instead, the judges went with the rulebook that states a drive-through penalty is "not susceptible to an appeal".

In Hamilton's eyes, the judges and the stewards, who it could be argued made an error with the penalty they administered, have forsaken the competitive spirit of Formula One.

At a time when the sport faces constant criticism for its lack of overtaking, Hamilton's battle with Raikkonen in the closing stages at Spa has been belittled.

"People will probably expect me to be depressed about the result, but that isn't me," said Hamilton.

"All I want to do now is put this matter behind me and get on with what we drivers do best - racing each other.

"We're racers, we're naturally competitive and we love to overtake.

"Overtaking is difficult, and it feels great when you manage to pull off a great passing manoeuvre.

"If it pleases the spectators and TV viewers, it's better still. So I'm disappointed, yes, but not depressed."

HAMILTON VOWS TO STAY FOCUSED

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

WHITMARSH HOPEFUL OF APPEAL SUCCESS

HAMILTON RUES APPEAL FAILURE

Hamilton - punishment stands.

Lewis Hamilton took a sideswipe at the stewards and judges he feels have forsaken the competitive spirit of Formula One on Tuesday.

Unsurprisingly, McLaren's appeal into the retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty handed to Hamilton after the Belgian Grand Prix earlier this month was ruled inadmissible.

The five who sat in judgment on McLaren and Hamilton at yesterday's five-and-half-hour hearing in Paris simply applied the letter of the FIA law in reaching their verdict.

There is no doubt, though, a finger of blame should be pointed at the trio of stewards who handed out the punishment two hours after a thrilling conclusion to the race at Spa 16 days ago.

The world at large had witnessed Hamilton take the chequered flag in enthralling circumstances as he and reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen fought for the victory.

The incident that culminated in today's verdict, Hamilton cutting the Bus Stop chicane on lap 42 of the 44-lap race and gaining an advantage, has long been debated.

The stewards could have served up a degree of common sense with their penalty by appreciating Hamilton comfortably won the race after Raikkonen had crashed out on the penultimate lap.

Instead, they sparked the controversy, and now with the judges' ruling that is likely to enamour further those who already feel there is an anti-McLaren bias within the FIA.

As Hamilton had previously stated, with the stewards penalising in such a way, it is likely to make any driver think twice before he embarks on an overtaking manoeuvre.

Reflecting on today's ruling, Hamilton said: "People will probably expect me to be depressed about the result, but that isn't me.

"All I want to do now is put this matter behind me and get on with what we drivers do best - racing each other.

"We're racers, we're naturally competitive and we love to overtake.

"Overtaking is difficult, and it feels great when you manage to pull off a great passing manoeuvre.

"If it pleases the spectators and TV viewers, it's better still. So I'm disappointed, yes, but not depressed."

Hamilton maintains he was forced to cut the chicane otherwise he and Raikkonen would have collided.

Although he immediately handed the advantage back to the Finn, he opted to pass again on the run down to the subsequent La Source hairpin.

Race director Charlie Whiting gave his blessing to the move later on lap 43, twice confirming it was 'okay' after being asked by a member of the McLaren pit wall.

Although Hamilton was in the dock for an hour, the argument that raged for three and a half in total ultimately proved academic.

Instead, the judges sided with the regulations that a drive-through penalty is "not susceptible to an appeal".

Although Hamilton obviously did not pass down the pit lane to take his penalty, it was applied retrospectively.

FIA regulations make it clear if such a punishment is handed out in the final five laps, or after the end of a race, the 25 seconds will be added to a driver's race time.

The rule was brought in a few years ago to prevent a repeat of what unfolded when Michael Schumacher won a race in the pit lane while serving a drive-through penalty.

Although McLaren lawyer Mark Phillips QC argued the penalty in this instance was one of time - which can be appealed against - rather than a drive-through - it fell on deaf ears.

McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: "We are naturally disappointed with today's verdict, and to have received no ruling on the substance of our appeal.

"No-one wants to win grands prix in court, but we felt Lewis won the Belgian Grand Prix on track, and in an exciting and impressive manner.

"Our legal team and witnesses calmly explained this, as well as our belief the appeal should be admissible, to the FIA International Court of Appeal.

"It nonetheless decided our appeal was inadmissible, so we will now concentrate on the remaining four races of the 2008 Formula One season."

Instead of a potential seven-point lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa heading into the final four grands prix, starting in Singapore this weekend, Hamilton now has only a one-point cushion.

This latest decision is likely to fuel Hamilton's determination to be crowned champion come the end of another rollercoaster season.

Lewis Hamilton Factfile:

1985: Born Tewin, Hertfordshire, January 7.

1995: British cadet class and STP karting champion.

1996: Wins the Champions of the Future, Sky TV KartMasters and Five Nations karting series.

1997: Moves up to junior Yamaha and wins Champions of the Future series and Super One series.

1998: Competing in junior Intercontinental A, is second in McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future and fourth at the Italian Open. Confirmed he will be supported by McLaren and Mercedes-Benz.

2006: Wins the GP2 Series. On September 13 is given first test in a McLaren Formula One car.

November 24 - Confirmed as race driver for 2007 season for McLaren.

2007: March 18 - Finishes third on Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix.

April 15 - After finishing second in Malaysia, Hamilton follows up with second in Bahrain to become the first driver in Formula One world championship history to finish on the podium in his first three races.

May 13 - Another second in Spain gives Hamilton the outright lead in the drivers' standings, becoming the youngest ever man to hold such a position.

May 27 - Finishes second in Monaco Grand Prix as Fernando Alonso takes lead in championship, though Hamilton is level on points.

June 9 - Claims maiden pole position in Formula One at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

June 10 - Wins first Grand Prix, in Montreal.

July 8 - Third at Silverstone behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, who claims his second successive victory as the gap is closed on Hamilton's lead at the top of the drivers' championship.

July 21 - Taken to hospital after being involved in a 175mph smash in qualifying for the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. A faulty airgun led to his front-right wheel working loose.

July 22 - Cleared to race in Germany but starts in 10th - his lowest qualifying position of the season. Finishes ninth behind winning team-mate Alonso, who cuts Hamilton's championship lead to just two points.

September 13: McLaren are fined Ј49.2million and docked their points in the constructors' championship as a result of the Formula One spy scandal. But the World Motor Sport Council announce they will not dock the points from their drivers, Hamilton and Alonso.

September 16: Finishes a disappointing fourth in Belgium, one place behind Alonso. Hamilton narrowly avoids a collision with Alonso as both drivers push for the advantage in the opening corners.

September 30: Wins the Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway to open a 12-point gap between himself and Alonso, who fails to finish the race, with two grands prix remaining.

October 5: F1 officials decide not to punish Hamilton for allegedly driving erratically at the Japanese Grand Prix. They had investigated a YouTube video that showed Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel crashing into each other while the Briton was following the safety car.

October 7: Retires from Chinese Grand Prix, allowing Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen to close the gap enough to keep the title race open until the final race of the season.

October 21: Finishes seventh to surrender the lead in the drivers' championship to Kimi Raikkonen in the last race.

2008: January 18 - McLaren announce Hamilton has signed a new five-year contract through to 2012.

March 16 - Gets the season off to a perfect start, winning the Australian Grand Prix.

May 25 - Hamilton keeps picking up the points - fifth in Malaysia, third in Spain and second in Turkey - before winning the Monaco Grand Prix.

June 8 - Is given a 10-place penalty after crashing into the back of Kimi Raikonnen while the Finn was waiting for a red light at the end of the pit lane at the Canadian Grand Prix. Both drivers have to retire from the race.

June 22 - Due to the penalty, is unable to claw himself through the field at the French Grand Prix and ends up finishing in 10th place .

July 6 - Wins the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

July 20 - Seals back-to-back victories for the first time in 13 months, winning the German Grand Prix to take a four-point lead in the drivers' title race.

September 7: Hamilton takes chequered flag in Belgian Grand Prix at Spa but race stewards hand him a 25-second drive-through penalty after claiming he cut a chicane to gain an unfair advantage over Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen. McLaren subsequently appeal against the stewards' decision.

September 23: Appeal is ruled inadmissible meaning Hamilton heads into final four races of the season with only a one-point lead.

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

HAMILTON READIES FOR APPEAL

HAMILTON RUES APPEAL FAILURE

HAMILTON RUES APPEAL FAILURE

Hamilton - punishment stands.

Lewis Hamilton took a sideswipe at the stewards and judges he feels have forsaken the competitive spirit of Formula One on Tuesday.

Unsurprisingly, McLaren's appeal into the retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty handed to Hamilton after the Belgian Grand Prix earlier this month was ruled inadmissible.

The five who sat in judgment on McLaren and Hamilton at yesterday's five-and-half-hour hearing in Paris simply applied the letter of the FIA law in reaching their verdict.

There is no doubt, though, a finger of blame should be pointed at the trio of stewards who handed out the punishment two hours after a thrilling conclusion to the race at Spa 16 days ago.

The world at large had witnessed Hamilton take the chequered flag in enthralling circumstances as he and reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen fought for the victory.

The incident that culminated in today's verdict, Hamilton cutting the Bus Stop chicane on lap 42 of the 44-lap race and gaining an advantage, has long been debated.

The stewards could have served up a degree of common sense with their penalty by appreciating Hamilton comfortably won the race after Raikkonen had crashed out on the penultimate lap.

Instead, they sparked the controversy, and now with the judges' ruling that is likely to enamour further those who already feel there is an anti-McLaren bias within the FIA.

As Hamilton had previously stated, with the stewards penalising in such a way, it is likely to make any driver think twice before he embarks on an overtaking manoeuvre.

Reflecting on today's ruling, Hamilton said: "People will probably expect me to be depressed about the result, but that isn't me.

"All I want to do now is put this matter behind me and get on with what we drivers do best - racing each other.

"We're racers, we're naturally competitive and we love to overtake.

"Overtaking is difficult, and it feels great when you manage to pull off a great passing manoeuvre.

"If it pleases the spectators and TV viewers, it's better still. So I'm disappointed, yes, but not depressed."

Hamilton maintains he was forced to cut the chicane otherwise he and Raikkonen would have collided.

Although he immediately handed the advantage back to the Finn, he opted to pass again on the run down to the subsequent La Source hairpin.

Race director Charlie Whiting gave his blessing to the move later on lap 43, twice confirming it was 'okay' after being asked by a member of the McLaren pit wall.

Although Hamilton was in the dock for an hour, the argument that raged for three and a half in total ultimately proved academic.

Instead, the judges sided with the regulations that a drive-through penalty is "not susceptible to an appeal".

Although Hamilton obviously did not pass down the pit lane to take his penalty, it was applied retrospectively.

FIA regulations make it clear if such a punishment is handed out in the final five laps, or after the end of a race, the 25 seconds will be added to a driver's race time.

The rule was brought in a few years ago to prevent a repeat of what unfolded when Michael Schumacher won a race in the pit lane while serving a drive-through penalty.

Although McLaren lawyer Mark Phillips QC argued the penalty in this instance was one of time - which can be appealed against - rather than a drive-through - it fell on deaf ears.

McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: "We are naturally disappointed with today's verdict, and to have received no ruling on the substance of our appeal.

"No-one wants to win grands prix in court, but we felt Lewis won the Belgian Grand Prix on track, and in an exciting and impressive manner.

"Our legal team and witnesses calmly explained this, as well as our belief the appeal should be admissible, to the FIA International Court of Appeal.

"It nonetheless decided our appeal was inadmissible, so we will now concentrate on the remaining four races of the 2008 Formula One season."

Instead of a potential seven-point lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa heading into the final four grands prix, starting in Singapore this weekend, Hamilton now has only a one-point cushion.

This latest decision is likely to fuel Hamilton's determination to be crowned champion come the end of another rollercoaster season.

Lewis Hamilton Factfile:

1985: Born Tewin, Hertfordshire, January 7.

1995: British cadet class and STP karting champion.

1996: Wins the Champions of the Future, Sky TV KartMasters and Five Nations karting series.

1997: Moves up to junior Yamaha and wins Champions of the Future series and Super One series.

1998: Competing in junior Intercontinental A, is second in McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future and fourth at the Italian Open. Confirmed he will be supported by McLaren and Mercedes-Benz.

2006: Wins the GP2 Series. On September 13 is given first test in a McLaren Formula One car.

November 24 - Confirmed as race driver for 2007 season for McLaren.

2007: March 18 - Finishes third on Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix.

April 15 - After finishing second in Malaysia, Hamilton follows up with second in Bahrain to become the first driver in Formula One world championship history to finish on the podium in his first three races.

May 13 - Another second in Spain gives Hamilton the outright lead in the drivers' standings, becoming the youngest ever man to hold such a position.

May 27 - Finishes second in Monaco Grand Prix as Fernando Alonso takes lead in championship, though Hamilton is level on points.

June 9 - Claims maiden pole position in Formula One at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

June 10 - Wins first Grand Prix, in Montreal.

July 8 - Third at Silverstone behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, who claims his second successive victory as the gap is closed on Hamilton's lead at the top of the drivers' championship.

July 21 - Taken to hospital after being involved in a 175mph smash in qualifying for the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. A faulty airgun led to his front-right wheel working loose.

July 22 - Cleared to race in Germany but starts in 10th - his lowest qualifying position of the season. Finishes ninth behind winning team-mate Alonso, who cuts Hamilton's championship lead to just two points.

September 13: McLaren are fined Ј49.2million and docked their points in the constructors' championship as a result of the Formula One spy scandal. But the World Motor Sport Council announce they will not dock the points from their drivers, Hamilton and Alonso.

September 16: Finishes a disappointing fourth in Belgium, one place behind Alonso. Hamilton narrowly avoids a collision with Alonso as both drivers push for the advantage in the opening corners.

September 30: Wins the Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway to open a 12-point gap between himself and Alonso, who fails to finish the race, with two grands prix remaining.

October 5: F1 officials decide not to punish Hamilton for allegedly driving erratically at the Japanese Grand Prix. They had investigated a YouTube video that showed Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel crashing into each other while the Briton was following the safety car.

October 7: Retires from Chinese Grand Prix, allowing Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen to close the gap enough to keep the title race open until the final race of the season.

October 21: Finishes seventh to surrender the lead in the drivers' championship to Kimi Raikkonen in the last race.

2008: January 18 - McLaren announce Hamilton has signed a new five-year contract through to 2012.

March 16 - Gets the season off to a perfect start, winning the Australian Grand Prix.

May 25 - Hamilton keeps picking up the points - fifth in Malaysia, third in Spain and second in Turkey - before winning the Monaco Grand Prix.

June 8 - Is given a 10-place penalty after crashing into the back of Kimi Raikonnen while the Finn was waiting for a red light at the end of the pit lane at the Canadian Grand Prix. Both drivers have to retire from the race.

June 22 - Due to the penalty, is unable to claw himself through the field at the French Grand Prix and ends up finishing in 10th place .

July 6 - Wins the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

July 20 - Seals back-to-back victories for the first time in 13 months, winning the German Grand Prix to take a four-point lead in the drivers' title race.

September 7: Hamilton takes chequered flag in Belgian Grand Prix at Spa but race stewards hand him a 25-second drive-through penalty after claiming he cut a chicane to gain an unfair advantage over Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen. McLaren subsequently appeal against the stewards' decision.

September 23: Appeal is ruled inadmissible meaning Hamilton heads into final four races of the season with only a one-point lead.

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

HAMILTON READIES FOR APPEAL

HAMILTON RUES APPEAL FAILURE

GAMBLES COULD HAUNT HAMILTON

Hamilton - can't afford any more errors.

It is sometimes easy to forget Lewis Hamilton is just 31 races into his Formula One career.

A year on from what must have been one of the most turbulent seasons a rookie has had to contend with, there is no doubt Hamilton is now a far more experienced, more mature, well-rounded driver.

But then there are the odd times - and they have been rare of late - that remind you he is still only 23, that this is still only his second season and he has so many more rungs of the ladder to climb.

The case in point arrived on Saturday afternoon in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, and on a very wet Monza circuit.

After easing his way into the second session, and with light rain continuing to fall, Hamilton made one of those errors you hope he does not look back on at the end of the season and bitterly regret.

Every driver during the opening 20-minute qualifying period, and at the start of the 15-minute middle session, had used the extreme wet tyres, the rubber that gives greater grip in treacherous conditions.

Hamilton, in conjunction with engineer Phil Prew, opted to slip the standard wets onto his McLaren in a bid to set a fast time.

The mistake was swiftly realised barely halfway into his lap, and immediately compounded when he was routinely called onto the weigh bridge by the race stewards which lost him valuable time.

When he returned to the circuit on extreme wet tyres, the rain had increased in intensity, which resulted in Hamilton being unable to generate any heat in either the rubber or his brakes.

For the first time in Formula One, Hamilton had failed to make it into the top 10 in qualifying, and unsurprisingly his upbeat mood and body language from just 48 hours previously had disappeared.

There was absolutely no need for Hamilton to act the hero and set the fastest time in Q2 when all that is required from any driver in that session is simply to make it into Q3.

Hamilton would have done that quite comfortably if he had set off on extreme wets, instead his transgression going against the grain of recent comments when he made it clear he would not take risks.

The one in Q2 was a considerable gamble, and given the lottery of the conditions, Hamilton emerged a big-time loser with his 15th place on the grid the lowest of his F1 career.

Even more strangely was Hamilton's response when asked why he had gambled, to which he replied: "Nice question, and I don't have the answer."

That suggests Hamilton is still prone to the odd rush of blood to the head, as perhaps was the case in Belgium when he cut a corner that led to him being demoted from first to third.

When asked, no driver stood by Hamilton as they all believed he had gained an advantage on Kimi Raikkonen, even if a few suggested the penalty that resulted was severe.

The International Court of Appeal will sit in judgment on Monday, and there are not many backing McLaren to win the case.

If that is what transpires then the points lost from that incident will undoubtedly be dwelled upon if Hamilton does not emerge with the title.

As will his decision on Saturday because without a doubt if he had made it into the top 10 in qualifying, he would have gone on to win the race such was his fearlessness and superiority in the wet.

Although a racer, a winner at heart, Hamilton will know he cannot afford to make any more rash errors of judgment if he is to avoid the pain he felt last year at so narrowly missing out on glory.

************

Here is a tale to prove you should always thoroughly check your facts in great detail.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore, when asked by a journalist as to when he would announce his driver line-up for next year, simply replied: "Wednesday."

As the answer was quite specific, the journalist in question then sought out Fernando Alonso given the implications for the Spanish driver.

"If it's Wednesday, that's news to me because I've not finalised any agreement yet," was Alonso's response when the matter was put to him.

The journalist then went back to Briatore to try to pin him down on the subject, only for the wily Italian to settle the issue.

"Ah yes, but I didn't say which Wednesday!"

And no, the aforementioned journalist was not me.

GAMBLES COULD HAUNT HAMILTON

HAMILTON ‘TRIES TOO HARD’

HAMILTON CONFIDENT OVER TITLE CHANCES

WHITMARSH HOPEFUL OF APPEAL SUCCESS

Hamilton - could see his lead increased.

Martin Whitmarsh is hoping to see justice served when Lewis Hamilton takes on the FIA's International Court of Appeal in Paris.

Hamilton is seeking to overturn the retrospective 25-second penalty awarded by the stewards at the end of the Belgian Grand Prix which resulted in him being demoted from race winner to third.

If McLaren are successful, Hamilton would increase his lead in the drivers' championship over Felipe Massa from one point to seven, whilst the team would overhaul Ferrari in the constructors' standings by a point.

The four judges will initially determine whether McLaren's appeal is admissible as under FIA rules a drive-through penalty "is not susceptible to an appeal".

Once that case is debated, the judges will then listen to McLaren's submissions in relation to the penalty awarded to Hamilton for 'cutting a corner and gaining an advantage'.

Ahead of the last four races, Hamilton could have a significant lead over Massa that could prove crucial come the end of the year.

Whitmarsh said: "We very much hope that will be the case, but clearly it's outside of our power. All we can do is present the facts.

"But I personally believe anyone who looks back at the race and is asked 'who deserved to win?', most people watching would say Lewis and not Felipe, who was half a minute behind.

"I'm probably slightly partisan on this, but I do actually believe that's what most people would imagine.

"We just have to present the data, and whatever the outcome is, that is the outcome.

"We are not counting on those points. We hold the lead at the moment in the drivers' championship by one slender point and we can expand upon that in the coming races."

Hamilton was penalised for cutting the Bus Stop chicane at the Spa circuit at the end of lap 42 of the 44-lap race.

The 23-year-old claims he did so to avoid a collision with Kimi Raikkonen, and although his manoeuvre allowed him to pass, he quickly gave any advantage back to the Finn.

However, the move was contentious as Hamilton's momentum coming out of the corner apparently allowed him to slipstream Raikkonen and pass him again into the subsequent La Source hairpin.

McLaren will argue that race director Charlie Whiting, when asked twice whether Hamilton had fairly given back the advantage and the move was legitimate, said "okay" on each occasion.

Despite this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix looming, Hamilton is to attend the hearing as it is believed his presence may prove crucial to McLaren's cause.

Hamilton will be joined by Whitmarsh, race engineer Phil Prew, the team's director of legal affairs Tim Murnane, with London law firm Baker McKenzie serving as their legal representatives.

Despite the proximity of the race, Hamilton will head out of Paris tonight and on to Singapore, insisting the appeal does not serve as a distraction.

"As I've said before, I feel like I won that race," Hamilton said.

"What happened, happened, and I'll move on whatever the result, and then I'll focus on getting more points in the next few races.

"I'll continue to prove that. There's nothing that can put me off or bring me down."

The judges will announce their verdict on Tuesday.

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

McLAREN PLAN HAMILTON APPEAL

HAMILTON GETS CHANCE TO PUT CASE

Hamilton - will get his chance later today.

Lewis Hamilton will have the chance later today to put forward his argument over why he should be reinstated as winner of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Hamilton spent the first two hours of an FIA International Court of Appeal hearing in Paris listening to lawyers debate the merits of whether McLaren's protest is initially admissible.

Two hours after the race at Spa on September 7, Hamilton was handed a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty by the stewards for cutting a corner and gaining an advantage on leader at the time in Kimi Raikkonen.

Under FIA rules a drive-through penalty "is not susceptible to an appeal".

However, McLaren barrister Mark Philips QC, submitted that as no drive-through took place - Hamilton did not take to the pit lane for his penalty - his punishment merely relates to time only, which can be appealed against.

Philips pointed out that after last season's Japanese Grand Prix an appeal was heard when Vitantonio Liuzzi, then with Toro Rosso, was handed a 25-second time penalty after the race for passing Spyker's Adrian Sutil under waved yellow flags.

Philips, who acted on behalf of Spyker on that occasion, won that case, allowing Sutil to claim the team's only point of the season for finishing eighth.

The five judges - Xavier Conesa (Spain), Philippe Narmino (Monaco), Erich Sedelmayer (Austria), Harry Duijm (Netherlands) and Thierry Julliard (Switzerland) - will debate overnight the merits of admissibility.

If the judges allow the appeal, they will discuss the manoeuvre in question at the Bus Stop chicane at the end of lap 42 of the 44-lap race.

Hamilton has earlier claimed he cut the chicane to avoid colliding into Raikkonen, quickly allowing any advantage back to the Finn.

However, the move was contentious as Hamilton's momentum coming out of the corner allowed him to slipstream the reigning world champion and pass him again into the subsequent La Source hairpin.

In his opening argument, Philips said: "Millions of viewers watched Lewis Hamilton take the chequered flag at Spa on September 7.

"Millions of viewers had seen Lewis Hamilton as the quickest man on the circuit at the moment the rain started to fall.

"At that moment it became a question of when, and not if, he would drive past Kimi Raikkonen. In the wet Kimi Raikkonen was utterly defenceless.

"The world at large saw Lewis Hamilton on the podium taking the trophy, and then saw the post-race press conference.

"After about two hours the stewards decided to add 25 seconds to Lewis Hamilton's race time, so relegating him from first to third.

"The stewards say Lewis Hamilton cut a chicane and so gained an advantage.

"The evidence will show Lewis Hamilton gave the advantage back to Kimi Raikkonen.

"When they crossed the line, Hamilton was 6.7 kilometres per hour slower, and at one stage seven metres behind.

"If he had stayed behind Raikkonen through the corner and down the straight, he would have passed him anyway into turn one.

"But Lewis Hamilton had no other choice but to take an escape route, a decision he made at the last second through that chicane.

"The suggestion he could have braked and slowed down is simply wrong.

"If Kimi Raikkonen had not forced him off the track he would have passed him down the straight."

The court heard a short clip of dialogue between McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan and race director Charlie Whiting at the time of the incident.

Ryan: 'Do you believe that was okay? He gave the position back.'

Whiting: 'I believe it was. Yes.'

Ryan: 'You believe it was okay.'

Whiting: 'I believe it was okay.'

That could prove crucial if the quintet of judges initially rule the appeal is admissible.

If McLaren and Hamilton win the case, the Briton will head into the final four races with a seven-point lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa, rather than the current one point.

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

McLAREN PLAN HAMILTON APPEAL

LAUDA: WORST JUDGMENT IN HISTORY

ALONSO SET TO STAY AT RENAULT

Alonso - set to stay with Renault.

Fernando Alonso will reportedly remain at Renault next season after rejecting an offer from BMW.

Alonso is a hot commodity for next year's Championship as the double World Champion has yet to put pen to paper, making him arguably the best available driver.

And as such at least three teams are known to be chasing his signature; BMW, Honda and Renault.

However, according to Spanish sports daily AS, it is Renault who are set to succeed in their quest after Alonso turned down BMW and ruled out Honda.

The newspaper reports that BMW offered Alonso a multi-year deal, however, the Spaniard wasn't pleased with the duration as he wants to be free to leave for Ferrari should a seat become available at the end of 2010.

BMW, though, were insistent on a long-term contract, resulting in Alonso turning Mario Theissen's outfit down.

As for Honda the Spaniard is concerned by the team's lack of progress this season, which has resulted in a mere 14 points in 14 races and little sign that things are set to improve.

The Spaniard has therefore made his decision and is set to stick with Renault for the 2009 Championship in the hope of heading to Ferrari as soon as a seat is available.

ALONSO’S RENAULT FUTURE STILL UNCERTAIN

ALONSO: I’M BETTER OFF AT RENAULT

ALONSO DENIES FERRARI TALK

HAMILTON READIES FOR APPEAL

Hamilton - will attend appeal.

Lewis Hamilton will attend Monday's International Court of Appeal hearing in a bid to take a decisive stride towards this season's Formula One world title.

McLaren have taken the decision that Hamilton will put forward his case in front of the four appeal judges at the FIA's headquarters on the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

The team could have opted for Hamilton to write a sworn statement to present to the court, but instead felt his presence would carry greater weight to their argument.

That is despite the fact the 23-year-old should be preparing for next weekend's historic first night grand prix in Singapore.

Hamilton will be joined by McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh, his race engineer Phil Prew, the team's director of legal affairs Tim Murnane, with London law firm Baker McKenzie their representatives.

McLaren are looking to overturn the retrospective 25-second penalty handed to Hamilton after the Belgian Grand Prix that resulted in him being demoted from race winner to third.

Controversy ensued when the stewards charged Hamilton with cutting the Bus Stop chicane on lap 42 of the 44-lap race, so gaining an advantage on leader at the time in Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton promptly handed the lead back to Raikkonen, only to then slipstream the Finn into the following La Source hairpin and claim top spot.

Raikkonen proceeded to crash out on the penultimate lap, ensuring Hamilton of victory that was later awarded to title rival Felipe Massa.

At this stage Hamilton has a one-point lead, that could stretch to seven if McLaren's appeal is initially ruled as admissible and the judges then decide to overturn the eventual race result.

Hamilton is adamant his move was legal, stating: "As I've said before, I feel like I won that race.

"What happened, happened, and I'll move on whatever the result, and then I'll focus on getting more points in the next few races.

"I'll continue to prove that. There's nothing that can put me off or bring me down."

Heading into the last four races, Hamilton could have a substantial lead over Massa, to which Whitmarsh said: "We very much hope that will be the case, but clearly it's outside of our power.

"All we can do is present the facts.

"But I personally believe anyone who looks back at the race and is asked 'who deserved to win?', most people watching would say Lewis and not Felipe, who was half a minute behind.

"I'm probably slightly partisan on this, but I do actually believe that's what most people would imagine.

"We just have to present the data, and whatever the outcome is, that is the outcome.

"We are not counting on those points. We hold the lead at the moment in the drivers' championship by one slender point and we can expand upon that in the coming races."

There have been claims of pro-Ferrari and anti-McLaren bias within the FIA, since strenuously denied by president Max Mosley.

Past history has played its part, but also in the European Grand Prix, where Massa was only fined and reprimanded for an unsafe release from the pits.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who will not be at the hearing, has faith in the appeal process and is confident there is no hidden agenda.

"Although Lewis has had five penalties already this season, I would not claim he hasn't been treated fairly," said Dennis.

"More importantly, we have to have faith in the system, and in the fairness of the FIA International Court of Appeal."

The judges will announce their verdict on Tuesday.

WHITMARSH HOPEFUL OF APPEAL SUCCESS

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

McLAREN PLAN HAMILTON APPEAL

HAMILTON TAKES THE HARD ROUTE

Hamilton - looking forward to unique challenge.

Lewis Hamilton is planning to go the hard way in his preparations for next weekend's historic Singapore Grand Prix.

The island state hosts Formula One's first night race, with the circuit taking in a number of famous landmarks such as Raffles Boulevard, Anderson Bridge and the Singapore Flyer ferris wheel.

But it is the timing of the event that is all the talk, with the two practice sessions on Friday starting at 7pm and 9.30pm local time.

The qualifying session on Saturday gets under way at 10pm, whilst the race begins at 8pm, all under the most sophisticated lightning system ever produced for a sports event.

There will be almost 110,000 metres of power cables, 240 steel pylons and around 1,500 light projectors, creating illumination four times brighter than anything used at sports stadia.

For the drivers, the unusual timings mean an entirely different approach to the weekend is required, and for current championship leader Hamilton he has put his faith in team doctor Aki Hintsa.

"Singapore is going to be a unique challenge for every member of the team," said Hamilton.

"Our doctor has prepared a very precise schedule for the drivers to stick to because all the sessions are so late in the day.

"Essentially we must not acclimatise to the local time, which is totally different to how we normally operate.

"Our training programmes ensure that over a race weekend we are at peak performance during the afternoons and as a result we are going to be staying in European time so this doesn't get disrupted.

"Apparently not acclimatising is much harder than adapting, because your body naturally wants to change.

"For the drivers, our meal, waking and sleeping rhythms will all be in European time.

"For example we will get up early afternoon for breakfast, have supper at 1am and go to bed at around 3am.

"It will be very different preparation to any other race, but we'll try and do the best job we can."

Hamilton does not believe racing at night will pose any concerns, despite the fact the track is a street circuit housing 23 corners.

"The race will be quite a fun challenge, and I like a challenge!" insisted Hamilton.

"I've never raced at night before, but I don't think it is going to be a problem.

"It doesn't seem to be a problem in other sports, and there have been huge preparations for this, so I think it will be great.

"We are racing on another street circuit, which are a particular favourite of mine.

"From what I understand it is wide and fairly flowing in nature, which is not what you usually expect from a street circuit.

"But it sounds like it will be pretty spectacular."

ALONSO GEARING UP FOR HOME RACE

NOT MY TITLE TO LOSE - HAMILTON

HAMILTON: CONSISTENCY THE KEY

KIMI FEARS LIGHTNING WON'T STRIKE TWICE

Raikkonen - lagging behind in title chase.

Kimi Raikkonen concedes he now has as much chance of retaining his Formula One world title as lightning striking twice.

With four rounds of the championship remaining, Raikkonen currently trails McLaren's Lewis Hamilton by 21 points and Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa by 20.

The gap to Hamilton could stretch to 27 points next week if McLaren win their appeal against the penalty imposed at the Belgian Grand Prix that saw the 23-year-old demoted from first to third.

The Finn is certainly enduring a lean time as he has failed to win any of the last 10 races, and for the first time in four years has not scored a point in the last three.

By his own admission Raikkonen needs a miracle, but will continue to fight to the bitter end even if it appears to be a lost cause at this stage

"This sport can be really hard to digest," said Raikkonen, who came home ninth in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

"You push and you give it your all, but nothing seems to go your way.

"It's been a long time without a win for me, and the list of races without points is growing.

"Five races without scoring a point this season is a lot, and you don't have to be an Einstein to understand that is not the right way to fight for a title.

"It's not over yet, but now it will take a miracle, like the one that makes lightning strike twice."

The wet conditions at Monza did not suit the Ferrari, as at Monaco, Silverstone and at the end of the race in Spa when Hamilton reeled in Raikkonen.

As there is a strong likelihood of rain at any of the last four races in Singapore, Japan, China and Brazil, that only adds to Raikkonen's growing frustration.

"At the Italian GP we had the same problem as before at a couple of other races," added Raikkonen.

"Under certain circumstances, especially with low temperatures and rain, we've hardly any grip.

"Now it seems it's going to rain at every outstanding race - we had enough in Monza.

"It's not that I've lost my ability to drive in the wet, but when you've no grip, what can you do.

"Things are definitely not going my way. Sometimes it happens but that won't lower my spirits or my determination.

"Nevertheless, I want to win again this season and I will give my best, as usual."

Prior to the race at Monza, Raikkonen extended his Ferrari contract through to 2010, and far from giving off an air of a disaffected driver, his burning ambition is to again win the title.

"I was very happy I could renew my contract with Ferrari," added Raikkonen.

"They are the best team in Formula One. I will never forget what happened last year, and I want to repeat it again."

HAMILTON DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM STRIKE

BUTTON PLAYS DOWN STRIKE THREAT

WHITMARSH DOESN'T BLAME HEIKKI

Kovalainen - second in Italy.

McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh believes Heikki Kovalainen has no reason to be ashamed of his performance at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Finn was forced to settle for second place on the starting grid behind Sebastian Vettel at Monza and then had to watch as the Toro Rosso driver led from start to finish in the rain.

McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh insists the team are more than happy with the Kovalainen's showing in Italy.

"Heikki has no reason to feel disappointed - the reality is that he didn't put a foot wrong all weekend and looked blindingly fast in dry, damp and full-wet conditions; fuel-corrected, he would have been on pole position comfortably," Whitmarsh said.

"He struggled a little with visibility in the early stages of the race and had a few difficulties with his tyres and brake temperatures, but we are not disappointed with his result.

"Let's not forget that Heikki is fearsomely quick but is still very much developing his approach. We have a clearly defined programme for him in the weeks and months ahead and feel certain that he will only grow stronger."

Whitmarsh was also relieved that Lewis Hamilton managed to turn things around on Sunday after a nightmare qualifying session.

"In conditions such as we saw at Monza last weekend, it can be very difficult to tick every single box and have a trouble-free weekend. Our difficulties started on Saturday afternoon when our weather forecasting predicted the rains were easing, which led us to fit standard wets to Lewis' car for Q2.

"Unfortunately, when we quickly aborted this run as the rain intensified, valuable time was lost when Lewis was called into the weigh bridge and we could, thereafter, not generate the necessary tyre temperatures to be completed in that session.

"Having said that, I think we recovered very well from Saturday, very consciously played the numbers correctly on Sunday, and secured a sizeable haul of constructors' points."

WHITMARSH LOOKS TO HELP HEIKKI GROW

McLAREN CHIEF HAILS HEIKKI

GAMBLES COULD HAUNT HAMILTON

Hamilton - can't afford any more errors.

It is sometimes easy to forget Lewis Hamilton is just 31 races into his Formula One career.

A year on from what must have been one of the most turbulent seasons a rookie has had to contend with, there is no doubt Hamilton is now a far more experienced, more mature, well-rounded driver.

But then there are the odd times - and they have been rare of late - that remind you he is still only 23, that this is still only his second season and he has so many more rungs of the ladder to climb.

The case in point arrived on Saturday afternoon in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, and on a very wet Monza circuit.

After easing his way into the second session, and with light rain continuing to fall, Hamilton made one of those errors you hope he does not look back on at the end of the season and bitterly regret.

Every driver during the opening 20-minute qualifying period, and at the start of the 15-minute middle session, had used the extreme wet tyres, the rubber that gives greater grip in treacherous conditions.

Hamilton, in conjunction with engineer Phil Prew, opted to slip the standard wets onto his McLaren in a bid to set a fast time.

The mistake was swiftly realised barely halfway into his lap, and immediately compounded when he was routinely called onto the weigh bridge by the race stewards which lost him valuable time.

When he returned to the circuit on extreme wet tyres, the rain had increased in intensity, which resulted in Hamilton being unable to generate any heat in either the rubber or his brakes.

For the first time in Formula One, Hamilton had failed to make it into the top 10 in qualifying, and unsurprisingly his upbeat mood and body language from just 48 hours previously had disappeared.

There was absolutely no need for Hamilton to act the hero and set the fastest time in Q2 when all that is required from any driver in that session is simply to make it into Q3.

Hamilton would have done that quite comfortably if he had set off on extreme wets, instead his transgression going against the grain of recent comments when he made it clear he would not take risks.

The one in Q2 was a considerable gamble, and given the lottery of the conditions, Hamilton emerged a big-time loser with his 15th place on the grid the lowest of his F1 career.

Even more strangely was Hamilton's response when asked why he had gambled, to which he replied: "Nice question, and I don't have the answer."

That suggests Hamilton is still prone to the odd rush of blood to the head, as perhaps was the case in Belgium when he cut a corner that led to him being demoted from first to third.

When asked, no driver stood by Hamilton as they all believed he had gained an advantage on Kimi Raikkonen, even if a few suggested the penalty that resulted was severe.

The International Court of Appeal will sit in judgment on Monday, and there are not many backing McLaren to win the case.

If that is what transpires then the points lost from that incident will undoubtedly be dwelled upon if Hamilton does not emerge with the title.

As will his decision on Saturday because without a doubt if he had made it into the top 10 in qualifying, he would have gone on to win the race such was his fearlessness and superiority in the wet.

Although a racer, a winner at heart, Hamilton will know he cannot afford to make any more rash errors of judgment if he is to avoid the pain he felt last year at so narrowly missing out on glory.

************

Here is a tale to prove you should always thoroughly check your facts in great detail.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore, when asked by a journalist as to when he would announce his driver line-up for next year, simply replied: "Wednesday."

As the answer was quite specific, the journalist in question then sought out Fernando Alonso given the implications for the Spanish driver.

"If it's Wednesday, that's news to me because I've not finalised any agreement yet," was Alonso's response when the matter was put to him.

The journalist then went back to Briatore to try to pin him down on the subject, only for the wily Italian to settle the issue.

"Ah yes, but I didn't say which Wednesday!"

And no, the aforementioned journalist was not me.

HAMILTON ‘TRIES TOO HARD’

HAMILTON CONFIDENT OVER TITLE CHANCES

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

VETTEL REVELS IN 'INCREDIBLE' POLE

Vettel on his way to pole.

Sebastian Vettel came of age in Formula One after securing the first pole position of his career in the most dramatic of circumstances.

At the age of 21 years and 73 days, Vettel becomes the youngest man to claim pole, beating Fernando Alonso's record by 165 days after the Spaniard topped the grid in Malaysia 2003.

The young German let out an ear-splitting cry of "Wahooo!" over the team radio once it became apparent he had taken pole, while in the Toro Rosso garage his mechanics and pit crew were in a state of euphoria.

The relentless rain which scythed down on occasions during qualifying was the over-riding factor, but no-one could now take his achievement away as Vettel mastered the wet conditions better than anyone.

Behind him, title contenders Felipe Massa, Robert Kubica, Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton will start sixth, 11th, 14th and 15th respectively as the conditions turned the field on its head.

Beaming from ear to ear, and with the enormity of the moment struggling to sink in, Vettel exclaimed: "Unbelievable! Incredible!

"When I was younger it was my dream to drive in Formula One, with my target to then fight for pole positions and race wins.

"But today I didn't expect this, it is so fantastic.

"Beforehand I joked with my engineers and said if it's wet we have to go for pole.

"But the conditions were so difficult. There was so much water, you never knew just what to expect. It was very, very tricky.

"At times it was so difficult you couldn't see anything, and there were times when you were lucky not to lose the car because of aqua-planing.

"I wouldn't say I'm a master in the wet, but this was superb. It's a great day for me and the team."

Vettel has only been in F1 for just over a year, but he has made such significant strides he is to switch to sister team Red Bull Racing from the Faenza-based Toro Rosso for next season.

Despite his impending departure, this is a day he will always be grateful for, adding: "You can't forget that just a couple of years we were the Minardi team.

"We've since made huge progress, with the package we have from Red Bull making our lives easier.

"But we are also doing a very good job. There is no secret to our success, only hard work.

"I've now been part of the team for a full year, and if you saw the guys then to now, the atmosphere is great, everybody is motivated.

"All the guys know that when they walk into the paddock they are here to do a job, and not just take part.

"It's great to see everybody working hard, the passion in their eyes, so as a driver it is just fantastic to give something back."

Although he starts on pole, Vettel knows winning the race is probably beyond him.

"Obviously we are in the best position, but we can't expect to win," assessed Vettel.

"It's a long race, anything can happen, and no-one knows what the weather will be, so we will see."

VETTEL: YOU’RE TAKING THE MICHAEL

FIVE-PLACE GRID PENALTY FOR VETTEL

ALONSO HAPPY IN THE POINTS

Alonso - looking forward to Singapore.

There were points in Italy for Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Mark Webber.

Renault
Fernando Alonso: I am very happy. The result today is very good because Monza was supposed to be the race that we were looking forward to the least. We made up the five points that we needed in our Championship fight, which is really rewarding and a big source of motivation for the rest of the season. I am now curious to see what awaits us in Singapore.

Nelson Piquet Jr: I had a good fight through the pack today and my pace was good considering the fuel load that I started with, which is quite satisfying. Unfortunately I finished outside the points, but I think that everything was decided in qualifying. I want to remain positive and will now concentrate on preparing for the next race in Singapore.

Ferrari
Felipe Massa: It was a tough race: I had hoped to do better but I'm also aware it could have been worse. In fact, I've managed to make up a point on my nearest rival so this is absolutely not a negative result. In normal conditions, in other words in the dry, I think I could have made it to the podium. In the first part, I was struggling because there was not much grip. In the incident when I overtook Rosberg, I lost a few seconds when the team told me I had to give back the position: that was probably the decisive moment because after the first pit stop, I found myself in traffic. On top of that, when it was time to switch from the extreme rain tyres to the standard ones, those who had opted to do just one stop definitely had the advantage. In the second part, I knew Hamilton was closing on me fast, but I could not see him in my mirrors because they were too dirty. Luckily, Rob helped me, talking me through the situation in real time. Then he dropped back a bit. I tried to attack Heidfeld but then I thought it wasn't worth taking too many risks and I chose to just bring the car home."

Kimi Raikkonen: This was a very difficult race for us. In the conditions at the start, as we have seen before in the past, we could not keep our tyres up to temperature and we totally lacked grip. I could do nothing but try to stay on the track hoping the conditions would change. When they did, unfortunately it was too late to aim for a points finish. The car worked well but without grip, you're not going anywhere. The situation in the Drivers' championship is now even more difficult, but I will continue to give it my best shot as usual."

Red Bull
Mark Webber: We came out after the first stop behind Robert and Fernando and lost a lot of time on the fresh tyres. That's when Heikki got a really good gap on me, so the first seven or eight laps behind them killed the tyres and trying to go through them wasn't easy so lost some time. The last section wasn't too bad, but when you're ten seconds behind starting it, then that's where you've finished. So we did give some points away today, but it's hard to get everything right on days like this."

David Coulthard: I had some difficulties in the beginning as my brake balance bar jammed, so I couldn't get rearwards on the brakes - they locked up and I went off at 2nd Lesmo. Thereafter I burned out the rear tyres early so I had blisters on the rear wets. Coming into the pitstop we put on the inters, but again seemed to burn out the rear tyres early, so I kept tip-toeing through the corners and kept losing places. In the end Nakajima came out around on the outside under braking at the Parabloica, but there's an arc through the corner and I couldn't avoid him - when he was turning in he hit my wing."

REACTION: RED BULL/STR/HONDA/WILLIAMS

REACTION: RENAULT, BMW, RED BULL

REACTION: BMW, RED BULL and TOYOTA

Gas prices tumble across Canada

Gas prices across the country fell Thursday by between three and 12 cents a litre, following a week that saw a significant hike in gas prices as Hurricane Ike loomed over the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The gas price in New Brunswick dipped sharply overnight, selling on Thursday morning at $1.25 a litre, down 14 cents from Wednesday.

The province's fuel regulatory body, the Energy and Utilities Board, triggered the decrease, a week after it hiked prices by 13 cents a litre.

Newfoundland and Labrador regulators, meanwhile, dropped the price 12 cents Thursday, days after approving an 11-cent increase in the retail price of gasoline that resulted in a record-high price of $1.50 a litre.

On the Avalon Peninsula, where gas prices are the lowest, the maximum price fell to $1.37 a litre.

The highest price could be found in Labrador South, where regular unleaded self-serve gasoline was $1.53 per litre on Thursday.

Gasoline prices in Prince Edward Island are dropping 10 cents a litre, said the province's regulatory body Wednesday.

In a release, the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission said the lack of long-term damage to refining capacity in Texas has resulted in "significant deflation of wholesale market prices over the past 24 hours."

Prices dropping nationwide

The four Atlantic provinces have their gas prices regulated by the provincial bodies in an effort to achieve price stability. The Nova Scotia body, however, has not yet indicated whether it would reduce prices.

Quebec also reviews gas retail pricing every three years.

In Toronto, many gas stations on Thursday cut their prices to as low as $1.19, six cents below Wednesday's average of 126.3 cents, according to Gasbuddy.com, a gas pricing website.

In British Columbia, some stations were selling gas at $1.30 a litre on Thursday, well below Wednesday's average of $1.42 a litre, while average prices in Calgary dropped by three cents to $1.25 a litre, said Gasbuddy.com.

Last week, prices across Canada spiked by as much as 13 cents per litre in anticipation of gasoline supply disruptions caused by Hurricane Ike as it loomed over the Texas coast, home to about 20 per cent of U.S. refining capacity.

Over the last week, Canadians were paying an average of $1.37 a litre, a two-month high, said the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

But prices have relaxed this week as Hurricane Ike caused less damage to the refineries than had been feared.

Even as gas prices dropped in Canada, oil rose in trading in Europe by midday Thursday local time. Light sweet crude was up $2.18 to $99.34 US a barrel.

FERRARI BOSS MAKES MOSLEY U-TURN

MOSLEY TO SUE NEWS OF THE WORLD

HAMILTON DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM STRIKE

HAMILTON WILL HAVE EDGE - WHITMARSH

Hamilton - one-point lead.

Martin Whitmarsh feels a "fearsome" Lewis Hamilton will have the edge in this season's Formula One world title battle if the rain continues to fall.

The Formula One circus now heads to the Far East for three races, starting with next weekend's first night grand prix in Singapore, before an enthralling campaign concludes in Brazil.

Singapore's tropical climate lends itself to short heavy showers and thunderstorms in the early to late evening, when the race will be starting to accommodate the European audiences.

Fuji in Japan is prone to monsoon-like conditions, as witnessed a year ago, whilst Shanghai in China can also be hit by rain.

McLaren star Hamilton has proven himself a master in the wet over the past 12 months, winning in Japan, Monaco and Silverstone, and he should have won Sunday's race in Italy.

But two wrong calls on the weather by his team, in qualifying and then the race in which he dominated the first half after starting from 15th on the grid, led to him finishing seventh.

Although the 23-year-old only has a one-point advantage over Ferrari's Felipe Massa in the title race, McLaren F1 CEO Whitmarsh feels more wet weather could play into Hamilton's hands.

"We've been very encouraged by the performance of the car in the wet this year," said Whitmarsh.

"Last year we felt the performance differential to our chief rivals was decidedly more marked - there were some circuits where we were clearly ahead, and others where we lacked race-winning pace.

"Given this year has shown Ferrari and ourselves to be remarkably evenly matched, the car's performance in unusual weather conditions could prove decisive.

"Looking ahead, while Singapore is something of an unknown quantity, I think we've all experienced wet races in Japan, China and Brazil, so we feel well prepared.

"And allied to Lewis' fearsome abilities in the rain, we have every reason to feel confident we'll be ready to capitalise on any untoward conditions."

Whitmarsh also believes the team, who can run error-free throughout any given weekend, will emerge on top come the end.

"With the cars extremely closely-matched, I think it will be hard for either team to establish a decisive advantage in the four final races," added Whitmarsh.

"More importantly, I think this world championship will boil down to whichever team and driver makes the fewest mistakes from now on.

"It's about preparing the cars with immaculate reliability, running them responsibly and not taking any unnecessary risks.

"It's all about finding strength in every single area and not exposing any weaknesses.

"It will be a tough battle, but we are gearing up for the fight."

WHITMARSH: HAMILTON WILL GET BETTER

WHITMARSH LOOKS TO HELP HEIKKI GROW

WHITMARSH BACKS HAMILTON

'VINDICATED' MOSLEY MAKES F1 RETURN

Mosley speaks to the media at Monza.

Max Mosley admitted to feeling "vindicated" as he returned to Formula One for the first time since winning a legal battle following allegations over his private life.

In March, FIA president Mosley was the subject of an article in the News of the World who claimed he participated in an alleged Nazi-themed orgy with five prostitutes in a basement flat in Chelsea.

However, Mosley went on to win a vote of confidence after an extraordinary hearing of the FIA's general assembly in early June which allowed him to remain in office.

The 68-year-old then emerged victorious from a High Court battle against the News of the World towards the end of July, receiving a record Ј60,000 in compensation as he successfully sued for breach of privacy.

Despite such successes, the damage to his family was considerable, yet Mosley at least believes he has been absolved to some degree.

Mosley said: "The thing that annoyed me was that there was some sort of Nazi roleplay. That has been totally demolished in court.

"In that sense I am vindicated, although obviously I am irritated, to put it mildly, that my private life, and aspects of my private life, have been made public which shouldn't have been.

"That's particularly bad for my family.

"But as far as Formula One is concerned, everything has gone on (as normal).

"The only thing that happened in Formula One is the two German and Japanese teams put out rather ill-considered press releases.

"At the time, I put out a rather ill-considered response to the German one.

"But they should have picked the phone up and asked me what the truth of the matter was. They didn't bother to do that.

"They are probably a little ashamed at that now - they should be.

"Apart from that very minor thing, everything has flowed along, the discussions backwards and forwards about the regulations have been completely normal."

Following the FIA hearing, Mosley confirmed he would stand down as president at the end of his current mandate in October 2009.

However, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone suggested that might not be the case, and it appears his words may yet come true.

Although stating it is his intention to walk away, the goal posts are starting to shift slightly.

"There is an awful lot of pressure coming from different parts of the world, and which is very widespread, saying 'continue'," added Mosley.

"That is very nice of them, but it's very hard work and I am really quite ready to take a less active role.

"Nine (am) until six (pm) every day, non stop, people outside don't understand how much there is to do.

"You are never on top of the job. You always feel you are trying to play catch-up, and that's why I don't go to grands prix.

"If I am out of the office for a few days it's a disaster, so there comes a point where you think maybe a slightly quieter life would be ideal, but we shall see."

Mosley's problem, after spending the last 15 years at the helm, is that his role is now deeply ingrained within him, and he feels he has unfinished business to attend to.

When asked whether he could not rule out staying on, he replied: "You can't rule anything out. You should never say never, as the old cliche goes.

"At the moment my inclination is that I would like a quiet life, but it (his job) is fascinating.

"You can see the problem and it needs to be solved, and that's interesting.

"I really do think something needs to be done about Formula One, otherwise it's going to be a big problem, and I would like to do that."

The issues primarily surround cutting costs, making the sport more efficient, and that is a legacy he would like to make his own.

"We will have measures in place well before October 2009 which will determine the future," insisted Mosley.

"If we haven't done that then we haven't solved the problem, and if we don't get it done quickly it's going to get serious.

"We've got to get the costs down. Formula One can't go on as if nothing had happened when the whole world is in some degree or other of economic difficulty."

ECCLESTONE PLEA TO MOSLEY

MOSLEY STILL SET ON STANDING DOWN

VETTEL: YOU'RE TAKING THE MICHAEL

Vettel - slammed Schumacher comparisons.

Sebastian Vettel has slammed as "ridiculous" comparisons to seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher after Sunday's stunning Italian Grand Prix triumph.

At just 21 years and 74 days, Vettel became the youngest winner in Formula One history, immediately sparking talk of how he shapes up to fellow German and close friend Schumacher.

Toro Rosso co-owner Gerhard Berger has already stated Vettel has the potential to now go on and win many races and championships.

Although nicknamed 'Baby-Schumi', Vettel is eager to play down the hype that has swiftly engulfed him following a sensational weekend in which he also clinched his maiden pole.

"About this comparison to Michael, first of all you have to realise what this guy achieved in the past," asserted Vettel.

"Of the current drivers, probably Fernando (Alonso) is the closest as he's a two-time world champion, so to compare anybody to Michael is ridiculous.

"I'm very young and at a very early stage of my career, so I don't think there's any need to make a comparison.

"Michael is probably one of the best drivers we have ever seen, and in a way I'm proud because I know him.

"He's a very nice guy and completely down to earth."

With the greatest of respect, Vettel's victory is likely to be one of those stories that only happen once in a blue moon.

Circumstances aided Vettel's cause, and it remains to be seen when his next win will be, especially as he switches to sister team Red Bull Racing for next season as replacement for the retiring David Coulthard.

Only when Vettel joins a consistent race-winning team like Ferrari or McLaren can we then start to talk of titles.

But despite the fact Toro Rosso have usurped Red Bull of late, and are now above them in the constructors' championship, Vettel is still moving on.

"For the future, no matter what happens, next year I am going to race for Red Bull Racing," insisted Vettel

"I don't see it as a step backwards, even though we have probably been stronger in the last couple of races."

Despite the euphoria and adulation that followed and will come with his win, Vettel is determined to keep his feet on the ground for the rest of the season.

"I won't go to Singapore and feel like a hero or a superstar and expect another race win just like that," added Vettel.

"It's not going to be like that because where I come from and how I grew up, I am down to earth enough to realise what happened, and to understand the approach for the next races.

"Under normal conditions it is difficult for us to win, to repeat this kind of result - pole position and victory - but we will fight.

"People can at least see we do have a strong package, so towards the end of the season I hope we can score some more points.

"Just to get into the top 10 in qualifying will still be a big success for us."

BERGER TIPS VETTEL FOR THE TOP

SCHUMACHER ENTERS SUPERBIKES

VETTEL DELIGHT AT MAIDEN WIN

Vettel celebrates his first victory.

Sebastian Vettel clinched the victory at Monza where he was joined by Heikki Kovalainen and Robert Kubica on the podium.

Toro Rosso
Sebastian Vettel: A fantastic race, a fantastic weekend with pole as well and a fantastic strategy this afternoon," said Vettel. As for the podium ceremony it was unbelievable and this is the best day of my life. I will never forget these feelings. It is so unbelievable. It is better than I had ever expected. A big thank you to everyone in the team for their great work. After a poor start to the season, we got better and better. Maybe in today's conditions, we could close the gap with a bit more effort or by staying on the throttle a bit longer. I'm speechless. As for the race, we were very fast in a straight line because we didn't go for high downforce as we thought it might be dry, so we stayed on the dry level. Being out in front with no visibility problems was the key and I could build up a solid gap to Heikki straightaway. Then I was pushing very hard, maybe going over the limit sometimes and I nearly lost the car. In the last stint I was in a very good position on the intermediate tyre. I couldn't believe it when it kept saying "P1" on my board. But I kept my focus and kept pushing so as not to lose concentration. A perfect weekend."

Sebastien Bourdais: I'm not sure what happened on the grid. When I tried to get first I couldn't and so then I let go of the flipper a bit quickly and when the gear selected I stalled, when normally the antistall should have come in. Then we couldn't get neutral and that was it, I had lost a lap immediately as the race started behind the Safety Car. It should have been a dream weekend with a chance of finishing first and third but sadly for me, it was first and nothing. However, this has been a great day for Sebastian and the team."

McLaren
Heikki Kovalainen: In today's tricky weather conditions I struggled to keep temperature in the brakes, and in the opening stages of the race I had problems with my extreme-wet tyres. First I thought it would improve after a few laps, but it didn't. Only at the end was I able to match the lap times of Sebastian Vettel in front of me. In today's conditions he was just too fast for me - congratulations to him for his very first grand prix win. I'm happy to have scored eight points, and I look forward to the next race in Singapore."

Lewis Hamilton: I felt I drove a really good race and was moving through the field very quickly when the circuit was at its wettest. If it had kept on raining, I feel pretty confident I probably could have even won from 15th grid position; but, as the circuit dried out, my tyres overcooked and I had to defend my position from Mark Webber. Still, today was all about damage control: I came away with some points and kept my lead in the world drivers' championship. Finally, I'd like to offer my congratulations to Sebastian on winning his first grand prix - I know what a sweet feeling that is!"

BMW
Robert Kubica: I'm very happy to finish on the podium today! Yesterday qualifying was difficult when I was the first one not to make it into the top ten. The only advantage of this was I could choose my race strategy, and we decided to go for just one stop with a very long first stint. At the start the visibility was really bad. When the Safety Car went in after two laps, I overtook Nick before the first chicane without even seeing him.

"It was really dangerous. Then I was able to drive at my own pace, but towards the end of my first stint I was having problems with the tyres, obviously because the car had been very heavy. We were then lucky with our pit stop, because it was just the right time to change to intermediate tyres. From then on I was easily able to control my position on the track. Third place was a well deserved reward for the whole team. Congratulations to Sebastian and the Toro Rosso Team for winning here today!"

Nick Heidfeld: Coming from tenth on the grid it is okay to finish fifth, but still my race wasn't ideal. Unfortunately I lost a place to Robert right at the start. It was the right decision to let us start behind the Safety Car. When it pulled off the visibility was still so poor that I braked much too early and Robert passed me. This time it was the team who made the tyre choice.

"I left it to my race engineer as on the pit wall they had a lot more information about the weather. It was absolutely right to go for intermediates. Today it was important to avoid mistakes and keep the car on the track. I'm happy I had the pace to keep Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton behind me at the end. Warmest congratulations to Sebastian and the Toro Rosso team, this was a fantastic victory."

BERGER TIPS VETTEL FOR THE TOP

FIVE-PLACE GRID PENALTY FOR VETTEL

VETTEL MAKES HISTORY AT MONZA

Vettel - superb winning drive.

Sebastien Vettel became the youngest race winner in Formula One history following a faultless Italian Grand Prix from the 21-year-old German.

In tough conditions, Vettel followed his debut pole with a maiden race win, crossing the line by sinking his head into his hands as he perhaps could not believe what has been an astonishing weekend.

Aged just 21 years and 74 days, and in only his 22nd grand prix for the Toro Rosso team, Vettel beat the previous record set by Fernando Alonso at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2003 by almost a year.

Behind the young hero, the title contenders endured a frantic race, with Felipe Massa sixth in his Ferrari and drivers' leader Lewis Hamilton seventh for McLaren, with the gap now just one point between the duo.

A thrilled Vettel said over the team radio: "I can't believe it. I am lost for words. It is amazing."

Robert Kubica is now just 14 points behind Hamilton after claiming third in his BMW Sauber behind McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen.

But reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen is 21 points adrift as he could only finish ninth despite a remarkable charge at the close and in the wake of making three stops due to the conditions.

The weather, though, again caused enough chaos, as it did yesterday in qualifying, that race director Charlie Whiting made the decision 11 minutes before the start the race would begin behind the safety car.

Whiting followed that with another call that extreme wet tyres were compulsory due to the worsening conditions.

That worked into Hamilton's hands as the last thing he wanted from a career low of 15th on the grid was an opening lap charge into the first chicane behind a wall of spray.

The young Briton gained one place within seconds of the safety car pulling away as Sebastien Bourdais in his Toro Rosso, starting from fourth on the grid, failed to get away.

When the safety car came in after two laps, a truly remarkable race unfolded, offering up more overtaking moves into the space of 53 laps than had arguably been witnessed all season.

And it was Hamilton who led the way as he scythed his way past the Red Bull of David Coulthard, then Giancarlo Fisichella in his Force India before claiming the prized scalp of Raikkonen.

The Ferraris have long been notorious for their failure to get heat into their tyres in cool conditions, allowing Hamilton to pass the reigning world champion with ease on lap 11 around the Lesmo bend.

Hamilton then picked off BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld, the Toyota of Timo Glock, Kubica and then on lap 19 former McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso in his Renault.

Jarno Trulli in his Toyota followed, and when three of the leaders - Kovalainen, Mark Webber and Massa - made their first stops on lap 22, Hamilton was up to second and closing in on leader Vettel.

On a one-stop strategy, Hamilton remained on extreme wet tyres as more rain was forecast, but it was not heavy enough for the 23-year-old.

One by one other drivers started to switch to the intermediates, and eventually Hamilton had to change a strategy that was ready to yield a remarkable podium at one point.

Reverting to intermediates, the tyre that cost him dearly during yesterday's qualifying when he took a calculated gamble and lost, Hamilton had to work all over again from lap 36.

Dropping to 10th, Hamilton gained a couple of places when Rosberg and Coulthard made their stops prior to claiming Webber on lap 37 to move up to seventh.

But that was where the brave charge ended as Hamilton then came up to Massa, and although the fastest on track at one point, he never made a move on the Brazilian as they started to match one another.

Instead, Hamilton's tyres started to grain, allowing Webber to make a move on lap 49, but with the duo banging wheels on the run down to the first chicane, sparking yet more controversy for the Briton after last weekend's 'Spa-gate' at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Behind hero Vettel, the other big winners of the day were Kubica, Alonso and Heidfeld - the latter duo fourth and fifth - who all made their one and only stops so late they were able to make the call to go onto intermediates.

Behind Hamilton and Massa, Webber claimed the last point, whilst McLaren are now within five points of Ferrari in the constructors' championship.

Jenson Button was 15th in his Honda, whilst Coulthard was classified 16th despite retiring on the last lap following a collision with Kazuki Nakajima in his Williams.

An emotional Vettel, driving for the smallest team on the grid, said: "This is the best day of my life.

"The car worked well, we had a very good strategy, and it was a great race.

"But from the end of the race through to the podium it was just amazing. There were scenes I will never forget.

"Who could have thought we (Toro Rosso) would achieve this at the start of the season? It's great! Fantastic! I'm speechless!"

Kovalainen, 27 points down on Hamilton with just four grands prix remaining, said: "It was not possible to win because Sebastien and Toro Rosso were so strong.

"I just struggled to find time, go faster, but we kept pushing and towards the end we improved, but it was the maximum we could do."

Kubica, who had started from 11th, said: "It was quite good after what happened in qualifying.

"I stayed as long as possible until my pit stop, and we were a bit lucky with the conditions that they allowed me to switch to the intermediate tyres."

BERGER: VETTEL WILL BE MISSED

VETTEL DELIGHT AT MAIDEN WIN

NOT MY TITLE TO LOSE - HAMILTON

Hamilton - still leads the Championship.

Lewis Hamilton has rubbished suggestions the Formula One world title is his to lose.

Hamilton emerged from a difficult Italian Grand Prix weekend with his championship lead still intact, one he has held onto since a stunning win in atrocious conditions at Silverstone in July.

After qualifying a miserable 15th following a wrong tyre call, the 23-year-old then drove a stunning first half of the race at a wet Monza.

By the time of what he thought would be his only stop, Hamilton was running second in his McLaren, but an incorrect weather forecast by his team cost him the win as he was forced to pit again.

Although finishing seventh, main championship rival Felipe Massa could only manage sixth in his Ferrari after starting from the same position, with Hamilton's lead now a solitary point.

Hamilton has conceded the race turned into "a damage limitation exercise", and expressed his relief at still being out in front in the title race.

But as for his to lose, a positive Hamilton replied: "When you're in the lead, perhaps.

"But I'm not looking at it that way. Kimi is world champion, so it is his championship to lose."

Raikkonen is now almost out of the running after a third successive race in which he has failed to score a point to leave him trailing Hamilton by 21 going into the last four grands prix.

Formula One's night debut in Singapore is first up, followed by Japan, China, and then the conclusion in Brazil.

Hamilton feels confident McLaren will give him the car to clinch the title, adding: "Singapore is going to be a great experience.

"I've never been to the city before, and I love the fact we're going back to a street circuit. Fantastic.

"Fuji, you know what I'm like there. I drove quickly in both the dry and wet.

"Shanghai, same again. I was very quick there last year, and I know the car I have will be fantastic there this year.

"And then Brazil, we'll be quick there again.

"But I would say none of them will be particularly key. In each race we're going to be attacking."

Prior to Singapore, Hamilton first has to stop off in Paris for an International Court of Appeal hearing at the FIA's headquarters on the Place de la Concorde next Monday.

It will hardly be the ideal preparation for Hamilton, but it is a necessary evil in the wake of what transpired in the Belgian Grand Prix eight days ago.

Hamilton was demoted from race winner to third after race stewards handed him a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty.

The punishment was for cutting a corner and gaining an advantage at the time on race leader Raikkonen at the end of lap 42 of the 44-lap race.

Although Hamilton immediately gave the lead back to Raikkonen, the three stewards felt the momentum he gained in cutting the chicane allowed him to then pass the Finn at the next turn, the La Source hairpin.

McLaren feel they have a strong case, in particular as they twice asked race director Charlie Whiting whether what they had done was fair, and he replied 'okay' on both occasions.

If the appeal is initially admissible, McLaren feel they have a strong case, with Hamilton to attend to give his evidence.

"There was no other route available to us," said team boss Ron Dennis.

"We're a professional grand prix team, and I don't think there was any question of there being sufficient reason for us to appeal.

"We would be lacking in competence if we hadn't appealed, so after that you take the consequences of appealing.

"Lewis will be there. We could do a written statement, but we feel it is important he is there.

"Clearly, we don't know how it will go, so we will have to see how it unfolds."

If McLaren are successful, Hamilton will take a seven-point lead in the drivers' championship, whilst the team will overhaul Ferrari in the constructors'.

McLAREN PLAN HAMILTON APPEAL

HAMILTON: CONSISTENCY THE KEY

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

DIFFICULT DAY FOR GLOCK AND CO

Glock - tough day.

Toyota, Williams, Honda and Force India all failed to bag points in Sunday's Italian GP.

Toyota
Timo Glock: Overall it was just quite a difficult day for us. I made a good start but I lost a couple of seconds soon afterwards when I spun as I tried to overtake Alonso. Early on it was very hard to see through all the spray when the track was at its wettest. It was hard to attack but I still managed to pull off some moves. Then the extra stop cost us the chance to go for points. It's obviously a shame to finish where we did but we were unlucky and our pace shows we can score again in the coming races."

Jarno Trulli: In the wet conditions early on I was going well on the heavy wet tyres but we had no luck with the strategy because the timings just didn't work out for us today. When I came in for my pit stop it was still four or five laps too soon for standard wet tyres. That meant we had to pit again shortly afterwards and we lost everything. Later on I was not as competitive because I was sliding around. So it was not our day today. Still, we were expecting this to be a difficult race but the next few races might be better for us. So I remain optimistic because we still have a lot of points to score and the season has been good so far."

Williams
Kazuki Nakajima: It was a difficult race today with many close decisions to take. Starting from the pitlane to allow me to make some aero changes was not penalising as we started behind the safety car and it was a very good decision from the team. In the early stages of the race, it was very difficult with the poor visibility and also I struggled with the braking, so the pace just wasn't there to begin with, but we changed from extreme wets to wets at just the right time and from then on my pace was much better."

Nico Rosberg: The outcome today was really disappointing as we were in a great position with potentially the best strategy, but again I finished towards the back of the field. In the first stint I thought I should be able to maintain a good pace, but I really struggled with tyre degradation and I lost time to those in front of me. But what was really decisive today was the tyre decision for my stop, which really destroyed the possibility of a good finish in the points. Everyone else was staying on full wets, so we thought we were in a good position to do the same and to keep risk to a minimum. In any case, at that point there wasn't a dry line to see, but ultimately it proved to be the wrong choice."

Honda
Jenson Button: We decided to start the race from the pit lane today as it may have given us an advantage with tyre choice, however when the race started behind the safety car it just meant that my tyres and brakes were very cold. The first couple of laps were quite difficult with the amount of spray and I lost a place which was disappointing. Then I got stuck behind Coulthard in the middle of the race when my lap times were good, which compromised my race quite badly. The last stint was a lot of fun though as we left the very worn wet tyres on and I had a couple of purple middle sectors. But at the end of the day it was disappointing to come home in 15th position and we have not had a good weekend here."

Rubens Barrichello: We made the decision on lap 16 to pit for the wet tyres as I felt the track was starting to dry out and it could give us an advantage. Although it was a positive decision as our lap times came down from there and I was gaining time on the cars ahead of me, it did interrupt our planned one-stop strategy. The wet tyres worked well in the middle stint but when I came up to my second stop with ten laps to go, the team asked if it was dry enough for slicks. It was not quite dry enough however they asked me to give it a go as we had nothing to lose. I tried my best but it was definitely too wet. We could have finished higher up by sticking to the wets but it was worth trying something different. It's been a tough weekend all round."

Force India
Adrian Sutil: For sure it was not the best race for us. At the start I just had no grip on the extreme wets and I couldn't push. The second set of extremes was better than the first, but by then it was drying out so after 10 laps I lost even more grip and had some vibrations in the front. I came into the pits to change and we went over to the dry tyres. It was a little too early but we had to try it. It was pretty much a race to forget."

Giancarlo Fisichella: I'm disappointed that after the good qualifying we couldn't convert this into a better result in the race. The conditions at the start were very wet but I had a good battle with Raikkonen and Hamilton. Coulthard then overtook me in the first chicane and in the corner he was slow so I touched him. Unfortunately the tap damaged the front nose and it went under the car. On the back straight I couldn't control the car and went off into the gravel."

COULTHARD RUES TYRE DECISION

REACTION: FERRARI, RENAULT, TOYOTA, WILLIAMS

REACTION: RENAULT/TOYOTA/FORCE INDIA

HAMILTON IN FIGHTING MOOD

Hamilton - up for the fight.

Lewis Hamilton believes he is Formula One's "fighting force" as an enthralling title tussle now heads into the home stretch.

Hamilton was denied a potential Italian Grand Prix win on Sunday by a poor call on the weather from his McLaren strategists following a stunning first half of the wet race at Monza.

Instead, the 23-year-old claimed seventh, still a creditable result after starting from a miserable 15th on the grid due to making the wrong choice on tyres in qualifying.

That mistake resulted in an all-out charge from Hamilton, despite the miserable conditions, that led to him riding in second when he made his first pit stop.

The likes of reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen and BMW Sauber drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld were all left in Hamilton's wake as one overtaking move followed another.

The 23-year-old feels he proved he is up for the fight, and with four races remaining, he still has a one-point lead over Ferrari driver Felipe Massa who could only finish sixth from the same grid spot.

"The result was the best we could have hoped for, but it could have been a lot worse," said Hamilton.

"We could have come away with no points and been second in the championship, so to see only a few people in front of me is not so bad, and I feel positive.

"I went forward, no-one overtook me, which is always a nice thing coming out of a race. But then I very rarely do get overtaken.

"But at Monza I showed maturity and that I am a fighting force as well."

Hamilton will need to box clever when he puts his case forward to the FIA International Court of Appeal on Monday when they examine the team's case against his punishment in Belgium nine days ago.

Hamilton was handed a 25-second drive-through penalty for cutting a corner and gaining an advantage on then leader Raikkonen after the race had finished.

The verdict from the stewards led to him being demoted from winner to third, prompting a McLaren protest that will be heard in Paris at the FIA's headquarters on the Place de la Concorde.

Despite the hearing at the start of the week, when Hamilton will be preparing for F1's first night race in Singapore, he is adamant he will not be affected.

"I'm not really thinking about Paris," insisted Hamilton.

"As I've said before, I feel like I won that race, so I've not even bothered to think about it.

"What happened, happened, and I'll move on whatever the result, and then I'll focus on getting more points in the next few races.

"I'll continue to prove that. There's nothing that can put me off or bring me down.

"I certainly don't see it as a distraction, not at all. I'll leave (for Singapore) on that day, so it shouldn't be a problem at all."

HAMILTON VOWS TO FIGHT ON

HAMILTON COMES OUT FIGHTING

HAMILTON HAPPY AFTER TOUGH WEEKEND

Hamilton - came home seventh.

Lewis Hamilton has admitted a potential Italian Grand Prix victory ended up turning into a damage-limitation exercise.

Hamilton again proved to be the master of the wet conditions during the first half of a stunning race at Monza.

Starting from a career-low 15th on the grid, the Briton scythed his way through the field, and by the time of what he thought would be his only stop on lap 27 he was running second.

But remaining on extreme-wet tyres, based on an inaccurate weather forecast by the team, proved costly for Hamilton.

The 23-year-old was forced to pit again nine laps later to take on intermediate tyres, culminating in him finishing seventh.

One consolation for Hamilton is that world title rival Felipe Massa wound up in the place he started from on the grid, sixth.

It means with four races remaining, and pending McLaren's appeal next Monday into the penalty handed out in the Belgian Grand Prix, just one point separates the duo.

Explaining the tyre call that cost him, as it did in qualifying the day before, Hamilton said: "I was told it was going to rain, so I just went with what the team told me.

"Considering the position I was in, if I'd chosen intermediates at the first stop, because I only needed one, I would have finished further up.

"I know at that stage I wouldn't have had a problem if I had gone with inters.

"But there was no chance of staying out on extremes. In the end it was damage limitation.

"I still had a great race. I passed eight others, including Kimi (Raikkonen), which wasn't easy because it was very difficult out there.

"What happened was a bit of a shame, but I have still come away with my lead intact."

Hamilton was fortunate at one point that a coming together with Red Bull's Mark Webber on lap 49 did not end up in catastrophe.

Webber was pushed wide on the entry to the first chicane as he made an attempted pass, only for the two to bump wheels, sending the Australian down the escape road.

"He was quick and catching me at that time, and I had to put up a fight to stop him getting by," added Hamilton.

"There was only one dry line and I covered the inside, but I didn't want to stay there on the wet patch because I wouldn't have made the corner.

"I was able to stay on my line, and he clipped my front wheel and went straight on.

"The lucky thing is the car didn't break. Imagine if the car had broken. It would have been disastrous."

Despite the slimmest of margins now over Massa, Hamilton knows he is fortunate to still be in the lead of the world-title race.

"I'm relieved, but then I'm not surprised because I drove my backside off, and you all know what I can do in the wet," remarked Hamilton.

"I had no doubts in my mind I could do a good job, catch up and win. I thought it was possible."

Instead, the victory was taken by Sebastian Vettel who is now the youngest race winner in Formula One history at the age of 21 years and 74 days.

Heikki Kovalainen finished as runner-up to help McLaren close the gap to Ferrari in the constructors' championship to five points.

The BMW Saubers of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld finished third and fifth, sandwiching Fernando Alonso in his Renault, whilst the Red Bull of Mark Webber claimed the final point.

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

KIMI HAPPY DESPITE PROBLEMS

WEATHER MATTERS TO MASSA

Massa - could have lost ground.

Felipe Massa emerged from an Italian Grand Prix weekend knowing he had a lucky escape.

At a wet Monza, McLaren and Lewis Hamilton would ordinarily have trounced the Ferraris of Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

But Hamilton made a woeful tyre choice at the start of the second qualifying session to leave him floundering in a career-low 15th on the grid.

Throughout the first half of the race the 23-year-old then scorched past his rivals in his McLaren and was on course for victory.

But an incorrect call on the weather led to Hamilton again putting on the wrong rubber, resulting in an unplanned second stop.

Hamilton managed seventh, a place behind Massa, and now the Briton has a slender one-point lead over the Brazilian going into the final four grands prix.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Massa said: "It was a tough race.

"I had hoped to do better, but I'm also aware it could have been worse.

"We have seen that every time it rains and there are difficult conditions, McLaren have been stronger.

"Today, if they have been stronger and we have finished ahead, then it's been a good race.

"In fact, I've managed to make up a point on my nearest rival so this is absolutely not a negative result.

"In normal conditions, in other words in the dry, I think I could have made it to the podium."

Despite a brave charge towards the end, Raikkonen could only end up ninth from 14th on the grid.

For the first time in just over four years, the Finn has now failed to score a point in three successive races to leave him 21 points adrift of Hamilton.

It is reaching the stage where Raikkonen will soon start having to help his team-mate, but when asked he said: "I don't know. We will see what happens.

"I'm not really interested in thinking what we are going to do in the next races."

Assessing his chances of retaining his title, Raikkonen added: "It is not good, but we'll keep trying and hoping to do better.

"It hasn't been so easy lately. I will continue to give it my best shot as usual."

MASSA: KIMI STILL A THREAT

MASSA BIDS TO AVOID MONTREAL WOE

FIA CLARIFY CORNER RULING

Lewis Hamilton - penalised in Belgium.

The FIA have clarified the rule that has sparked controversy this week, following Lewis Hamilton's corner-cutting manoeuvre in last Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

In a drivers' briefing at Monza ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, race director Charlie Whiting cleared up the confusion.

If a driver now cuts a corner or chicane and gains a place, he not only has to give the position back, but also wait a corner before attempting a subsequent overtaking move.

The debate has raged over the past few days after Hamilton cut the final chicane at Spa, passing Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen to gain the lead in the process.

Although the McLaren driver immediately allowed the reigning world champion to pass along the start-finish straight, he then overtook the Finn at the next turn, the La Source hairpin.

Hamilton went on to win the race, but was subsequently demoted to third two hours after the race after a three-man panel of stewards handed out a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty.

Speaking on the clarification, Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber said: "It is pretty clear for people to probably not attack immediately again, which wasn't mega, mega clear in the past."

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

McLAREN PLAN HAMILTON APPEAL

RULES ARE RULES, SAYS RAIKKONEN

ITALIAN GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

Vettel - out on his own.

FINISH: Please join us again in two weeks for the Singapore GP - F1's first ever night race

FINISH: Well done to Toro Rosso and Vettel - the youngest ever driver to win a F1 grand prix!

FINISH: Heikki Kovalainen is second while Robert Kubica, who started P11, completes the podium

FINISH: Well done. It's impressive, amazing and out of this world. You can bet Toro Rosso are going to have one wild party tonight

FINISH: Vettel crosses the line to claim his and Toro Rosso's first ever grand prix victory!!!

Lap 53: Raikkonen doesn't look to be scoring any points here today, so that's the Finn's Championship over and out one has to believe. Massa, though, will close the gap to Hamilton to one point

Lap 52: Massa and Hamilton drive through the debris left by Coulthard/Nakajima shunt. Here's hoping neither driver gets a puncture

Lap 51: Coulthard hits Nakajima. He pits for a new nose and the Williams is also damaged

Lap 50: Raikkonen does another new fastest lap. Impressive pace. But he's 13s behind Webber

Lap 49: Webber tries to overtake Hamilton but instead Hamilton bumps him off the track. Webber uses the escape road which puts him ahead of Hamilton on the track so he yields the position back to the McLaren man

Lap 48: Raikkonen takes ninth off Piquet Jr as Coulthard and Glock fight for position. Webber meanwhile has closed up on Hamilton

Lap 47: Raikkonen is flying, setting three fastest laps one after the other. However, one feels that once again it is too little too late from the reigning Champion. The Finn has passed Coulthard and is now attacking Piquet Jr

Lap 46: Button pits from 13th place

Lap 46: Vettel does a fastest personal lap as he extends his lead to 14.1s

Lap 45: Barrichello pits from ninth place. He comes out P17. Sutil pits

Lap 45: Toro Rosso warn Vettel that light rain is expected soon

Lap 44: Raikkonen takes 13th off Nakajima and Glock follows the Finn through

Lap 43: Vettel is on track for the victory here today, which would be Toro Rosso's first. In fact it would be the first ever for this team, which was previous the Minardi outfit. He would also become the youngest ever F1 race winner

Lap 42: Massa is using all the track and more as he tries to hold onto sixth place

Lap 41: Hamilton is right behind Massa on the track. Only a matter of time before he nails the Ferrari driver as he's by far the fastest driver on the track

Lap 40: Massa takes Heidfeld by cutting the chicane so yields to the German and stays behind him

Lap 40: Heidfeld attacks Alonso and Massa joins the back of the battle

Lap 39: Sutil, who as P18, pits. Not a great afternoon for the German, who is usually quite good in the wet

Lap 38: Hamilton overtakes Webber as VEttel leads this grand prix. Button nudges Piquet Jr over using the chicane

Lap 38: Hamilton pits from the lead for intermediate tyres. He wasn't meant to make another stop but had to for new tyres as it's drying out on the track. He comes out behind Massa!

Lap 37: Vettel pits for intermediate tyres. He was leading the grand prix but that now passes to Hamilton

Lap 36: Raikkonen pits for intermediate tyres

Lap 35: Trulli overtakes Kubica for position as Massa attacks and easily takes Webber. Webber spins it on the next corner

Lap 34: Kovalainen pits for intermediate tyres. Kubica comes in for his first and only stop of the day. Webber pits

Lap 33: Massa stops from fifth place for 6.8s. He puts on the intermediate tyres. Rosberg pits

Lap 32: Vettel is now leading by 11.8s over Kovalainen

Lap 31: Only Kubica and Piquet Jr have yet to stop here this afternoon

Lap 30: Alonso pits from third place, putting on the intermediate tyres. Raikkonen passes Trulli for 10th place

Lap 29: Hamilton is behind Massa on the track, 10s off the pace, however, Massa is believed to still need to make one more stop while Hamilton should be one-stopping

Lap 28: Rosberg pits from third but his fuel nozzle sticks a bit, leaving him stationary for over 11 seconds. Coulthard pits and he puts on the intermediate tyres

Lap 27: Hamilton pits from second place. He stops for 9.7s and comes out in clear air but behind Coulthard on the track

Lap 26: Hamilton is only 1.1s behind Vettel but the Mclaren driver still needs to stop. Trulli pits as does Raikkonen

Lap 25: Alonso is leading a train of six cars, all separated by 3.8s. Glock pits

Lap 24: Raikkonen FINALLY passes Heidfeld for position

Lap 23: Hamilton is now on Rosberg's rear tyre. He again uses McLaren's superior pace to overtake the Williams and is up to second place but still has to stop

Lap 22: Button and Bourdais both pit

Lap 22: The top three, Kovalainen, Webber and Massa all pit for wet tyres. Heikki easily gets out ahead, Webber second and Massa third. Vettel is back in the lead and Hamilton has overtake Trulli

Lap 21: Hamilton overtakes Trulli but has to give the position back as he jumps the chicane. He slides in back behind the Toyota and stays there for a while

Lap 21: Glock has a go at Alonso and takes eighth place off the double World Champion

Lap 20: Massa does a new fastest lap times: a 1:34.457

Lap 20: Raikkonen is all over the back of Heidfeld but is struggling to find a way by

Lap 19: Hamilton flies by Alonso, easily taking seventh place off the Renault man. Glock has also taken ninth place off Kubica

Lap 18: Vettel pits from the lead. He puts on the Bridgestone wets and is stationary for 8.4s. He comes out just behind Massa

Lap 18: Teams are predicting more rain in a few minutes and that it will stay around for a while

Lap 17: Hamilton takes eigth place off Kubica

Lap 17: Barrichello is the first man to pit. He was P15

Lap 17: Hamilton is now all over the back of BMW's Kubica, who currently occupies the final points-paying position

Lap 16: Hamilton tries to get better straight line speed than Glock to take the position off him. He takes him through the first chicane but Glock fights back only to be pushed off the road by Hamilton. Not very nice!

Lap 15: Hamilton takes 10th place off Heidfeld. He also put his tyres on the green stuff instead of on the tarmac

Lap 15: Rosberg takes 4th place back off Massa but a few corners later the Brazilian is back up into fourth place. Did Massa yield just in case he was to be accused of cutting a chicane?

Lap 14: Fisichella is out of the grand prix having lost his front wing in the back of Coulthard's car which sent him hurtling straight off the track and into the barrier

Lap 13: Massa takes fourth place off Rosberg with only two wheels on the track. Will he be penalised? He was still partly on the track. Interesting debate this

Lap 12: Massa is chasing down Rosberg and is right on the Williams' tailpipe. However, the German is complaining about his extreme wet tyres going away

Lap 11: Hamilton hits Raikkonen through the first Lesmo and takes the position off the Ferrari driver. Two corners later and already you can see a gap between the two

Lap 11: The track is starting to dry out on the racing line, but there is still standing water in some parts

Lap 10: Hamilton has better straight line speed than Fisichella and pulls by him down the straight, completing the move through the first corner

Lap 9: Everyone is still in the race with Nakajima, Button, Adrian Sutil and Bourdais the final four out on track

Lap 9: Raikkonen FINALLY overtakes Fisi at the first chicane! It's about time for the Ferrari driver who is now P11

Lap 8: Raikkonen tries to take Fisichella but once again can't pull it off, which leaves him open to an attack from Hamilton. But Hamilton also can't find the grip needed to overtake

Lap 7: Vettel has a 5.8s lead over Kovalainen, but loses it over the bumps at the chicane. He is, however, able to pull it together and continues on his way

Lap 6: Glock spins it at the first chicane, losing a few positions

Lap 5: Fisichella runs wide by Raikkonen is unable to pull off a move. The Finn, though, definitely has the speed to overtake but he can't find the grid. Hamilton is coming under pressure from Coulthard, who lost a few positions by going off the road

Lap 4: Vettel is leading by two seconds over Kovalainen. Hamilton tries to take Raikkonen but instead cuts the chicane and he has to move back behind the Ferrari driver and yield his speed or risk yet another drive-through penalty

Lap 3: Alonso takes the position back from Glock at the first chicane. Glock comes back but instead cuts the Roggia chicane and has to yield

Lap 2: Everyone gets through the first lap safely without even running straight at the first chicane. Glock takes seventh place off Alonos

Lap 2: Vettel hits it and we are racing at Monza

Lap 1: Bourdaiss is underway and trying to catch up. Safety Car is coming in end of this lap

Lap 1: We are all behind the Safety Car, which means no one is changing, racing, or pretty much doing anything. Especially Bourdais who is still stuck in the pit lane as Toro Rosso try to get his car going

START: And the race is now technically underway as the Safety Car crosses the line

13h02: Bourdais stalls it on the grid. Poor chap will have to start from the back of the grid if he doesn't get it going

13h00: The formation lap gets underway

12h58: Kazuki Nakajima is also starting the race from the pit lane in the Williams

12h55: Race Control has announced that the grand prix will start behind the Safety Car due to the wet conditions

12h52: Jenson Button is starting the race from the pit lane

12h50: Italian dirver Giancarlo Fisichella smiles as his supporters who are sitting on the pit straight grandstands with a Fisichella banner

12h45: Max Mosley is chatting away on the grid as he waltzs up and down with his FIA umbrella. Unlike in Monaco when he was "persona non grata", this weekend team bosses are actually talking to him

12h41: It is raining. The umbrella-holding chaps are feeling rather overworked on the grid while Massa cuts a chicane on his way to his grid slot

12h30: The pit lane is open which means the drivers now have 15 minutes to get to their grid slots

12h25: Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso complete the top eight of the grid with the latter having already warned Lewis, Kimi and Robert that he won't make it easy for them even though they are in a Championship battle

12h15: In fact Massa is the only one of the top four drivers in the standings to feature in the top ten on the Monza grid. Of the other three Championship leader Lewis Hamilton is P15, third placed Robert Kubica is P11 and fourth placed Kimi Raikkonen is P14. This should make for a great battle as the three try to work their wayinto the points

12h10: Second on the grid is Heikki Kovalainen who qualified ahead of Mark Webber, Seb Bourdais, Nico Rosberg and Felipe Massa

12h05: There's a new face on the pole position slot today with Sebastian 'Baby Schumi' Vettel having qualified P1 in the rain on Saturday. In doing so he became the youngest ever pole-sitter to go with his record of youngest ever points-scorer and youngest-ever to take part in a grand prix weekend

12h00: Welcome to coverage of the Italian Grand Prix, round 14 of the 2008 Championship, which takes place at the cathedral of motorsport, Monza

BELGIAN GRAND PRIX CLOCKWATCH

FRENCH GRAND PRIX - LAP-BY-LAP

BERGER TIPS VETTEL FOR THE TOP

Vettel celebrates his victory in Italy.

Toro Rosso co-owner Gerhard Berger has tipped Sebastian Vettel to become a multiple world champion.

Berger made a speedy exit from Monza on the back of a scooter, but not before extolling the virtues of Formula One's youngest ever race winner by taking the chequered flag in today's Italian Grand Prix.

In an astonishing weekend for the grid's smallest team, despite the backing of billionaire Red Bull magnate Dietrich Mateschitz, Vettel gave the marque their maiden pole and win.

Based in Faenza, quite remarkably Toro Rosso are the first Italian- based team - other than Ferrari - to win a race since 1957 in the days of the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio and Maserati.

Backed by Ferrari engines, it was not the win the Prancing Horse's adoring Tifosi were hoping for, but on home soil, it will do.

For Vettel, it was the culmination to a day he has hailed as the best of his life, and the sky would appear to be the limit.

Austrian Berger, who spent six seasons with Ferrari during his 14-year career, said: "I'm not into making comparisons.

"But what I do know is this guy will win a lot of races, and a lot of championships."

High praise indeed for young German Vettel, nicknamed 'Baby Schumi' in deference to seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher.

Now working with Ferrari as an advisor, Schumacher did not quite go as far as Berger with his remarks, but was still full of praise.

"He has the potential to be world champion, but it's a long and rocky road," said Schumacher, who is close friends with Vettel.

"I've known him since he was small, we've played football together, and so we are closer than I am with other drivers.

"I was crossing my fingers the car would keep going and he would bring it home. In the end, what he did today was absolutely first class. Without question I enjoyed it.

"To make no mistakes in these conditions and dominate the race from the start, and in a car that is not the fastest, shows he is an extremely strong driver in heavy rain."

It was a day Vettel will never forget, taking victory at the age of 21 years and 74 days, beating the previous best record of Fernando Alonso by just over 10 months.

A euphoric Vettel said: "It was a fantastic race and a fantastic weekend.

"As for the podium ceremony, it was unbelievable and this is the best day of my life. I will never forget these feelings.

"It is better than I had ever expected. I couldn't believe it when it kept saying 'P1' on my board.

"But I kept my focus, kept pushing so as not to lose concentration, and it has been a perfect weekend.

"A big thank you to everyone in the team for their great work. After a poor start to the season, we have got better and better."

BERGER: VETTEL WILL BE MISSED

BERGER DOWNPLAYS SENNA REPORTS

MOSLEY DISMISSES BIAS SUGGESTIONS

Mosley thinks Hamilton will win the title.

Max Mosley has offered Lewis Hamilton his personal backing in this year's Formula One world title race.

FIA president Mosley, though, is quick to point out that following 'Spa-gate' this week, his governing body will not "help or hinder" the McLaren star in any way.

Mosley was speaking on his return to the F1 paddock for the first time since he was professionally and personally cleared in the wake of a Sunday newspaper expose into his private life.

The 68-year-old initially won a vote of confidence that allowed him to remain in office following an extraordinary hearing of the FIA's general assembly in early June.

Mosley then emerged victorious from a High Court battle against the News of the World at the end of July, receiving a record Ј60,000 in compensation as he successfully sued for breach of privacy.

Two months on, and Mosley is back at the end of a week when his governing body has faced accusations of bias towards Ferrari.

Stewards at the Belgian Grand Prix gave Hamilton a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty that demoted him from race winner to third for cutting a corner and gaining an advantage, sparking outrage.

Mosley, who was in Peru at the time of the race, has slammed the conspiracy theorists.

"The only thing I can say is that any suggestion there is a bias for or against any team or driver is completely untrue. Absolutely not," insisted Mosley.

"I think it's a reflection, and I'm sorry to say this, of the stupidity of the people who say it.

"That's because they haven't really thought the thing through and put themselves in the position of the people who have to take these very difficult decisions.

"The whole thing is unfortunate, but the question is did he, or did he not, gain an illegitimate advantage.

"That is something the stewards have to answer, and then eventually the court of appeal perhaps. We shall see."

But there is no doubt as to how Mosley feels about Hamilton as a racing driver, adding: "I think he is brilliant.

"It would be really excellent for F1, and the world championship, if he won it - but that doesn't mean we are going to help him or hinder him. We are going to be utterly neutral.

"That said, it would be brilliant if he won because he is a supreme talent, and when it's difficult, that's when we see it.

"He has done a great job, but whilst we can admire, we mustn't assist or hinder."

Asked as to whether he felt Hamilton would win it, Mosley replied: "I think he is odds on. He has to be favourite, without question."

ECCLESTONE DISMISSES BREAKAWAY TALK

ECCLESTONE DENIES MOSLEY PLOT

HAMILTON GETS APPEAL DATE

Hamilton - given appeal date.

Lewis Hamilton will discover his fate into his Spa corner-cutting manoeuvre ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix later this month.

World governing body, the FIA, have confirmed September 22 as the date the International Court of Appeal will sit in judgment on the current championship leader.

Hamilton was demoted from first to third at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa on Sunday after being handed a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty, reducing his championship lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa from eight points to two.

The 23-year-old McLaren star was punished for what the three-man panel of stewards described as 'cutting a corner and gaining an advantage'.

After failing to pass Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen around the outside approaching the final chicane at the end of lap 42 of the 44-lap race, Hamilton quickly veered left and cut the corner.

Heading down the start-finish straight, Hamilton immediately - as the rules decree - handed the lead back to Raikkonen.

However, Hamilton swiftly completed a legitimate pass on the Finn into the La Source hairpin at the start of the penultimate lap.

The penalty sparked outrage, with McLaren eventually deciding to appeal in the hope of seeing the result overturned.

It remains to be seen, though, whether their protest is initially admissible as under FIA rules a drive-through penalty "is not susceptible to an appeal".

McLaren will cite extenuating circumstances on this occasion, but given the opinion of several of his fellow drivers, Hamilton will likely have to accept his fate.

The consensus was that whilst the penalty was harsh, Hamilton did gain an advantage, notably as his speed in cutting the corner gave him a tow on Raikkonen that led to the swift pass.

The matter will now debated by lawyers at the FIA's headquarters on the Place de la Concorde in 10 days' time, with the verdict due to be announced 24 hours later.

McLAREN PLAN HAMILTON APPEAL

McLAREN CONFIRM APPEAL

RAIN HITS MONZA

Water is swept out of the Ferrari garage.

Torrential rain battered the historic Monza circuit to virtually wash out first practice for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

As thunder and lightning boomed and crackled overhead, the drivers and pit crews, as well as fans and photographers, were forced to take shelter.

The rain was so heavy towards the end of the 90-minute session, the water began to bubble up through the drains directly in front of the teams' garages.

That led to several mechanics taking on a different role as they grabbed brooms to sweep away the deluge that threatened to flood the garage floors.

With five minutes remaining, and with the rain showing no sign of relenting, race control eventually red-flagged the session.

Not that a driver would have ventured out in such conditions in any case given the obvious dangers.

Come the conclusion, there was the unusual sight of a Force India at the top of the timesheets, with Adrian Sutil's lap of one minute 32.842 seconds.

Even that was 10 seconds down on the fastest race lap of last year when Fernando Alonso led a dominant McLaren one-two given the track was damp early on following a light shower.

But 35 minutes in the rain started to fall, and although a number of drivers opted for wet-weather running as tomorrow's qualifying session is expected to be hit, the conditions steadily grew worse.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello and Giancarlo Fisichella in his Force India were both within a second of Sutil, but the remainder were some way off the pace as their times were set in the wet.

Timo Glock was almost four seconds down in fourth place, with the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa ninth and 14th, 4.5secs and 7.3secs adrift.

Lewis Hamilton was one of six drivers who did not post a time, the McLaren star and current championship leader doing nothing more than an installation lap when it was relatively dry.

McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen joined Hamilton in looking on from the garage, along with BMW Sauber duo Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld, Red Bull's Mark Webber and Kazuki Nakajima for Williams.

HEIDFELD HITS BACK

HAMILTON TOPS TIMESHEETS

LEWIS SETS EARLY PACE

SYMONDS' CONCERN OVER BELGIAN ROW

Symonds (right) - says questions have been raised.

Pat Symonds fears that Lewis Hamilton's Belgian Grand Prix penalty, which cost him the race victory, has hurt more than just the McLaren driver's World Championship campaign.

Hamilton clinched the victory in Spa on Sunday afternoon but two hours later was informed that he had been handed a 25-second penalty by the stewards for gaining an advantage by cutting a chicane.

The stewards deemed the advantage to have helped Hamilton overtake Kimi Raikkonen and therefore handed him a retrospective drive-through penalty, which dropped him to third in the overall race classification.

The penalty has already been lambasted by many in the media with former F1 driver Niki Lauda claiming it was the "worst decision in F1's history".

This is a sentiment echoed by Renault's director of engineering Symonds who fears it could have a negative impact on F1 racing as drivers opt for caution instead of overtaking.

"As it happened in real time, we were talking on the intercom and said: 'Wow that was definitely a situation where he has to give the place back'," he told Renault's latest podcast.

"I guess we weren't that surprised when the stewards were found to be investigating it. Having looked at it again, I feel very, very sorry for Lewis. I think he has been very hard done by.

"It raises lots of interesting questions, and I am not talking about 'are the FIA on the side of Ferrari?' We have to believe that they are impartial, the sport would not exist if we didn't believe that.

"But I think it does call into question (the sport's) philosophy, because everyone is saying we need more overtaking in Formula One, we need more excitement, and we need more personalities.

"And yet it seems to me that everything that actually happens seems to be against that.

"Here we had a great race with people really challenging each other and for why? If it's taken away, then why take that risk?"

The Renault man added that in his opinion Hamilton did every thing right after cutting the chicane as he lifted off the power, allowing Raikkonen to retake the lead.

"To me the facts are quite clear in retrospect. I have had a look at the videos, I've had a look at the published data which shows that Lewis was nearly 7 km/h slower than Raikkonen across the line, you can quite clearly see on the in-car camera that he lets him get completely in front, and in my view Raikkonen just braked very early," Symonds added.

"Lewis went inside him, and if you look at the in-car camera stuff, Lewis drove around the hairpin very easily. He didn't have a big slide, he didn't have to correct it, he hadn't gone in too deep and come out wide, it was a perfectly legitimate manouevre, and it wasn't that much later that Raikkonen went past him.

"This is racing, this is what we want."

As for the stewards' decision being made two hours after the race had been completed and all the fans had gone home, Symonds reckons something needs to be done in order to ensure that decisions are made promptly.

"I think motor racing should be like football, not like cricket," he said. "Let's have action, let's know what is going on in real time, not wait for two days to find out the result."

LEWIS FINE FOR BELGIAN GP

SYMONDS LOOKS FOR PIQUET BELIEF

HAMILTON SNR HITS OUT AT OFFICIALS

RULES ARE RULES, SAYS RAIKKONEN

Hamilton pursues Raikkonen in Belgium.

Kimi Raikkonen has made it clear Lewis Hamilton knew the rules when he executed his corner-cutting manoeuvre in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

The Finn has attempted to steer clear of the debate that has raged since Hamilton was handed a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty, even though he was at the heart of the incident.

The decision by the stewards, which has been appealed by McLaren, means Hamilton goes into this weekend's Italian race at historic Monza nursing a slender two-point lead over Felipe Massa.

Although refusing to back the stewards, Ferrari star Raikkonen said: "There are rules, people know about them.

"I'm not the guy who makes the decisions. Action is taken if you do something wrong, and that was the decision this time.

"Sometimes it's hard to say whether something is right or wrong, and I don't want to get involved in that.

"Definitely people have different views of the whole thing, some like it, some don't, but that's life."

Much has been made of the fact Hamilton swiftly passed Raikkonen at the La Source hairpin moments after correctly handing him back the lead in the wake of gaining his advantage.

Raikkonen's early braking was clearly a contributory factor to which Hamilton pointedly remarked: "That's the way he drives. If you don't have the balls to brake late, that's your problem."

When asked about Hamilton's comment, Raikkonen replied: "Everybody has their own opinions, but it's not about the thing that happened in the first corner.

"It's more about whether you cut the last chicane and you get an advantage or not.

"If there had been a concrete wall he (Hamilton) would not have been there in the first place.

"Maybe that's what he thinks. But I don't mind what other people think.

"It's down to whether he gained an advantage or not, and it's down to the people who make the decisions."

It was a mistake of Raikkonen's own making, however, that saw him slide off and into a wall on the penultimate lap.

Going into this weekend, and with five races remaining, Raikkonen's chances of retaining his title are slim, with many feeling Ferrari should now back Massa's cause.

But a defiant Raikkonen countered: "As long as I have a chance and I am in the points I will keep trying. If I don't have any chance then it is a different story.

"But I don't see it is up to me. We will both race as hard as we can and see what happens at the end of the season."

It is widely expected McLaren will again be strong, as last year when Fernando Alonso led home Hamilton in a crushing one-two.

An optimistic Raikkonen added: "I know from the past they're strong here.

"Hopefully we are in a position this year to try to challenge them for the win.

"The car is certainly stronger than it was a year ago, and whilst it will be hard to beat them, I like to think we've a good chance."

RAIKKONEN BACKS YOUTH

HAMILTON SNR HITS OUT AT OFFICIALS

RAIKKONEN EYES VALENCIA GLORY

LAUDA: WORST JUDGMENT IN HISTORY

Hamilton - stripped of Belgium GP win.

Former world champion Niki Lauda has slammed the decision that saw Lewis Hamilton stripped of his Belgian Grand Prix victory as "the worst judgment in the history of F1."

Lauda was left incensed after the race stewards handed Hamilton a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty for 'cutting a corner and gaining an advantage.'

The incident concerned, at the end of lap 42 of the 44-lap race and as rain began to fall, allowed Hamilton to move into the lead ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

However, the 23-year-old immediately conceded the lead back to the Finn, prior to conjuring a superb overtaking manoeuvre into the La Source hairpin.

On a greasy track, an enthralling cat-and-mouse game followed that culminated in Raikkonen sliding into a wall, and Hamilton claiming victory.

But two hours after the race the stewards intervened, awarding a penalty that demoted Hamilton to third, and as far as Lauda is concerned, also throwing the sport into chaos.

"This is the worst judgment in the history of F1, the most perverted judgment I have ever seen," lambasted three-times champion Lauda

"It's absolutely unacceptable when three functionaries (stewards) influence the championship like this.

"Hamilton did nothing wrong. He was on the outside, he then let him (Raikkonen) by, which is the rule, and afterwards he passed him.

"There was nothing special in what happened. Hamilton did the right thing in letting him by before again passing him."

Lauda feels Hamilton further underlined his title credentials, even if an eight-point lead after the race was whittled down to just two with the penalty over eventual winner Felipe Massa.

"It was an absolutely perfect drive from Hamilton, although I was disappointed with his spin on the second lap," added Lauda.

"That was unnecessary, but in the end he made up for it in much more complicated conditions, and he did a perfect race.

"It was very high risk at the end of the race for both of them, but he made fewer mistakes and won the race. He couldn't have done any better.

"He executed perfect car control when it was wet. He did a perfect job, won the race, and you can only take your cap off to him and congratulate him."

Lauda, who won his first two world titles with Ferrari in 1975 and 1977, and his last with McLaren in 1984, then had harsh words for Raikkonen who has now failed to win any of the last nine races.

"Kimi has not done a good job this season," assessed the 59-year-old Austrian, who these days works as a television pundit.

"He has been quick in races, but not in practice. Even in practice for this race he was disappointing because he could not get the grip level together in one lap.

"In this race he did a perfect job, until the end when he threw it away."

McLaren registered their intention to appeal, and now have until late on Tuesday afternoon to confirm whether they will pursue such a course of action.

However, Article 152 of the FIA's International Sporting Code states a drive-through penalty is "not susceptible to appeal."

McLaren may choose to challenge this given the circumstances, and so take the matter to the International Court of Appeal, where a case would likely be heard before the end of the month.

RAIKKONEN BACKS HAMILTON PENALTY

McLAREN CONFIRM APPEAL

NIKI LAUDS HAMILTON WIN

McLAREN CONFIRM APPEAL

Hamilton - win taken away.

Lewis Hamilton's hopes of a second Belgian Grand Prix victory now rest in the hands of lawyers.

After winning the race once on the track at Spa, the International Court of Appeal will assess whether a stewards' ruling stripping him of the win should be reversed.

Not for the first time in Formula One's recent tarnished history has such an unsatisfactory conclusion to an event been deployed.

But 48 hours after Hamilton was demoted from first to third on the back of a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty, McLaren have decided to pursue an appeal.

The trouble is, no-one is exactly sure if there is a case to answer as Article 152 of the FIA's International Sporting Code states a drive-through penalty is 'not susceptible to appeal'.

McLaren will contend there are exceptional circumstances in this instance, and if they convince the ICA of such a fact, they will then seek to overturn the stewards' decision.

This latest affair centres around an incident at the end of lap 42 of what was a thrilling 44-lap race as the stewards deemed Hamilton 'cut a corner and gained an advantage'.

After attempting to pass Kimi Raikkonen around the outside on entry to the final chicane, Hamilton was forced to cut the corner.

Returning to the Spa track along the pit straight, the 23-year-old temporarily held the lead before correctly handing it back.

Timing sheets indicate Raikkonen crossed the start-finish line 0.6 seconds ahead of Hamilton, with further data showing the latter was also six kilometres per hour slower at that point.

Hamilton then filed behind Raikkonen, before legitimately passing Ferrari's reigning world champion again on the run down to the first corner La Source hairpin.

In wet conditions, the lead then changed hands twice more on the penultimate lap prior to Raikkonen spinning into a wall, handing Hamilton a win that was taken away by the stewards two hours later.

Describing the incident, Hamilton said: "In the closing stages of the race I was catching Kimi consistently, lap by lap, and with three laps remaining I got close enough to attempt to overtake him on the entry to the last chicane.

"I managed to get slightly ahead of him in the braking area for the first apex of the chicane.

"He fought back approaching the second apex, but, in doing so, he left no room for me on the inside line.

"The only way for me to avoid a collision was therefore to cut inside the second apex.

"I came out of the second apex in front of Kimi and so I momentarily lifted-off on the straight, to ensure Kimi got back in front.

"The team also came on the radio and instructed me to allow Kimi to re-pass, which I had already done. As a result, Kimi crossed the start-finish line ahead of me, and 6.7km per hour quicker than me.

"After allowing Kimi to completely re-pass, I crossed from the left side of the track to the right side of the track, passing behind Kimi in the process.

"I then attacked Kimi on the inside of the first corner and successfully outbraked him."

If McLaren successfully argue their right to appeal, their case to reverse the result will then be strengthened by the apparent claim of race director Charlie Whiting.

McLaren F1 chief executive Martin Whitmarsh said: "From the pit wall, we asked Race Control to confirm they were comfortable Lewis had allowed Kimi to re-pass.

"They confirmed twice that they believed the position had been given back in a manner that was 'okay'.

"If Race Control had instead expressed any concern regarding Lewis' actions at that time, we would have instructed Lewis to allow Kimi to re-pass for a second time."

The decision of the stewards - Nicholas Deschaux, Surinder Thatthi and Yves Bacquelaine - has since caused uproar.

It has prompted leading figures such as three-times champions Niki Lauda and Sir Jackie Stewart to berate their verdict.

It has also fed the long-held theory that the world governing body, the FIA, are pro-Ferrari and anti-McLaren.

That has since been strenuously denied by one of the stewards, Kenyan Thatthi, who said: "There was no conspiracy against anybody, McLaren included.

"We acted professionally and within the FIA rules."

But Formula One fans are up in arms, with even an internet petition available to sign that up until 1700 BST on Tuesday had attracted 23,000 signatures in just 36 hours, with the aim to present it to the FIA.

McLAREN PLAN HAMILTON APPEAL

LAUDA: WORST JUDGMENT IN HISTORY

SHOW OF FORCE FROM MALLYA

Mallya - warring factions.

Force India's billionaire owner Vijay Mallya has warned the feuding factions inside his team: "I'm the boss."

Mallya is ready to get tough after differences of opinion led to speculation of civil war and unrest.

On one side is the technical department, led by Mike Gascoyne, and on the other is the non-technical element fronted by team principal Colin Kolles.

For a team still searching for their first points of the year, the claims are unhelpful, but Mallya insists he has everything under control.

"Unfortunately in the Formula One paddock there is a lot of rumour-mongering that goes on," Mallya said.

"Yes, there may be differences of opinion, but these differences started even before I took over the team.

"There was a certain technical direction being taken by Mike Gascoyne, which Colin Kolles didn't necessarily agree with.

"I also remember at the Brazilian GP last year, when it was still Spyker, Mike Gascoyne was dead against the seamless shift gearbox.

"Later this season, I said we need to have it, so get on with it.

"But you know, disagreements can be healthy, not necessarily all negative. If there are disagreements between two members of a team, it must not be blown out of proportion.

"Having said that, everybody knows I am the boss and I make the decisions. At the end of the day, what others agree with or disagree with is really of no consequence to me.

"As long as the team is running the way I want it to run, and the programmes I have said must happen, happen, I don't have to spend too much of my time worrying about who agrees with whom."

With Mallya in overall charge, it has brought into question the role played by Kolles and whether he could be on his way out.

But Mallya insists Kolles is an integral member of the team, adding: "Team principal is a very general term.

"Your understanding may be that a team principal is in charge of everything, and has a completely free hand to do as he feels.

"The answer is absolutely not. I am the chairman and managing director of the company and the team, so arguably I could be the team principal.

"But Colin performs a role I give him, and he's accountable to me. I tell him to do things I don't think others can do.

"He does what I tell him to do, but I take the final decision.

"If the company was suffering as a result, then of course I would do something about it immediately."

Mallya has also rejected claims he has already become disillusioned with Formula One and is looking for an escape route.

"I have been around for 12 years, so I had no illusions," insisted Mallya.

"I was a sponsor at Toyota, and I know how much their budget is, and prior to that I was a sponsor at Benetton, and I knew what their budget was.

"So I've come into this with my eyes wide open. The question of me suddenly becoming disillusioned because I face something I haven't anticipated is rubbish.

"I wouldn't be here if I hadn't anticipated what I was getting into. I am in for the long haul."

MALLYA SEES BRIGHT FUTURE

MALLYA: FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

'FREE' ENGINE CHANGE FOR WEBBER

Webber - engine change.

Red Bull have revealed Mark Webber's engine has been changed in the build-up to this weekend's Italian GP, but that no penalty will be incurred.

Under F1 regulations all engines have to last two race weekends otherwise the driver is slapped with a 10-grid slot penalty.

However, each driver is given one free engine change at the start of the season and it's that change Red Bull have used in order to ensure Webber doesn't get penalised this weekend.

According to Autosport Red Bull have opted to change Webber's engine as a precautionary measure given the demands of the Monza circuit.

‘FREE’ ENGINE CHANGE FOR RAIKKONEN

WEBBER WON’T RULE OUT RED BULL EXIT

WEBBER: MOSLEY SCANDAL NOT FORGOTTEN

WILLIAMS TO 'SOLIDER ON'

Williams - focused on next season.

Williams' eyes are firmly focused on next season following a miserable 2008 campaign.

Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima have struggled for most part of the season and the former champions have slipped to eighth in the standings with just 17 points.

Team owner Frank Williams told Reuters after the Belgian Grand Prix that the team have given up hope of improving in the latter stages of this season.

"We're not saying 'watch out for our next race' because it isn't going to be like that," he said.

"We'll just have to soldier on, try and get more out of what we've got.

"We may have one or two little bits for the remaining races but essentially our main focus is on next year's car.

"It's almost a fresh start for everybody and we started on that quite a long time ago this year. We'll see if that works for us."

ROSBERG STAYS WITH WILLIAMS

WILLIAMS REMAINS UPBEAT

WILLIAMS BACKS RUSSIAN F1 HOPES

HAMILTON SNR HITS OUT AT OFFICIALS

Hamilton - points taken away.

Anthony Hamilton insists F1's authorities will never take away Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix 'victory' from within the heart of son Lewis.

One of the most exciting finishes to a race for many a season was later shrouded in controversy when stewards stripped Hamilton of the win.

Despite a thrilling duel with Kimi Raikkonen in the closing stages, the Spa showdown will now be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Yet as far as Lewis' dad Anthony is concerned, it was a fight won fair and square between two racing drivers hell bent on victory.

Speaking before the stewards reached their verdict, Hamilton senior said: "Whatever happens, they can't take it away from Lewis.

"They can take that victory away from Formula One, but they cannot take it away from us.

"We have been bitten on previous occasions by decisions and on this occasion, he was in front at the corner, played safe, and he didn't crash into Kimi.

"Everyone came out safe, he gave up the position - and this is my layman's view - and then he came back and overtook him.

"Do you want people to race or do you want people to just follow each other around?"

Following the decision, Anthony opted to keep his counsel, wisely so as you could see the look of annoyance and frustration on his face, although the tone may have been similar to his immediate post-race reaction.

The stewards ruled Hamilton cut a corner and gained an advantage, albeit one he immediately handed back to Raikkonen at the end of the 42nd lap of the 44-lap race.

Timing sheets show Raikkonen crossed the start-finish line first, and that he had a six-kilometres-per-hour advantage over Hamilton at that stage.

But that was clearly not enough for the stewards, who until they justify their verdict will continue to be pilloried.

McLaren have until Tuesday to confirm whether they will pursue an appeal, although FIA rules prohibit appeals against drive-through penalties.

As far as Anthony Hamilton is concerned, he at least has the memory of witnessing one of his son's finest drives, regardless of what has since followed.

"It is difficult really to keep finding superlatives," added the 44-year-old in the immediate aftermath of what he thought was a win.

"Every time Lewis goes out he seems to go one better. I couldn't tell you the best drive of his life, but that was probably very, very close to it.

"One of the things Lewis said when he was go-karting was 'never give up until the flag has dropped'.

"(The race) just reaffirmed everything he did when he was a go-karter."

Despite an apparent injustice, it is certain Hamilton will apply such rationale to the championship, which he now leads by just two points from Felipe Massa.

DENNIS HITS OUT AT REPORTS

HAMILTON HITS MONTE CARLO JACKPOT

COULTHARD RUES TYRE DECISION

Coulthard - tyre decision a lap too late.

Red Bull
Mark Webber: The first few laps were quite tricky due to the conditions, but our start was okay. I was running a bit short and when doing that it helps to have a clear track, but I didn't. I lost some time behind Bourdais, who was a bit heavier, but we were still in a reasonable position. Then I got hit by Heikki (Kovalainen) and lost some time. It hurt our strategy, which was quite aggressive. The car felt best in the last stint on the prime tyres. It's a shame we didn't get any points today, the guys had put a lot of effort in."

David Coulthard: I got held up a lot behind the Hondas at the start and it was hard to make up positions from there. We have poor drivability. The changeable conditions made things interesting at the end, we could probably have changed to intermediate tyres one lap earlier."

Williams
Nico Rosberg: It wasn't such an exciting race for me today. Ultimately I did the best I could from where I started and the performance we had in the car and, I think adding all this up, 12th is probably about the best we could have achieved. At the end of the race we had to make the difficult judgement to come in for the wet tyres, and although we didn't make any gain, I still think it was a good decision to take. Overall then, it wasn't a good weekend for us and now we need to look forward to Monza and try to improve things. After the recent test there we are confident that it is a track that will suit us better.

Kazuki Nakajima: Today was a difficult race for me. I had a bit of contact in the first corner which cost me some time, so from then on I just tried to maintain a consistent pace because I was on a one-stop strategy. Given this, I think my race pace was not bad compared with those around me. I made some progress during the race, then just at the end, the rain came and it was a tough call to either to stay on the slicks or try to see what the wets might do for us. In the end we made the stop and changed the tyres, but we didn't have enough time to make up any ground.

Force India
Adrian Sutil: It was a strong race for us, with a good performance. We had quite a lot of fights on the circuit and lots of overtaking. I caught up with Button and was right behind him, but then there was the rain in the last laps. As there were just a couple of laps left and we were quite quick on the wet conditions with dry tyres, we stayed out and I could pass him and some other guys. I am quite happy with this race.

Giancarlo Fisichella: Unfortunately Nakajima spun and came across in front of my car and I broke the front wing and damaged the car quite a lot. Coming back to the pits I lost a lot of time as I had no front wing and punctured tyres. Unfortunately when I went out of the pitlane I was just in front of the leaders and then had blue flags at least 40 times!

Honda
Jenson Button: It's been a tough weekend and unfortunately the car's performance has been a long way off where I thought we would be here in Spa. I didn't have a great start from 17th and got completely boxed in with cars everywhere that I wanted to go. I then lost some time in the train of cars caught behind Rubens when he had his gearbox problem. The car was not handling well at all throughout the first stint as I had no grip and very little balance. So when I came in and switched to the prime tyre, we added front wing which I thought we needed, but not having had the the opportunity to compare the two tyres yesterday, this unfortunately gave me too much front end. Our rear tyre pressures were also too low which made the car very difficult to drive.

Rubens Barrichello: The race was actually going quite well for me but unfortunately I lost sixth gear not long after I overtook Trulli. I tried to keep going but with the way that the gearbox works, you have to go through sixth gear before you can get seventh gear, which caused over-revving of the engine and the potential for significant damage. The team decided it would be best to retire the car as this is my first race with this engine and I have to race with it at Monza next weekend. Overall it has not been a great weekend. Our biggest problem has been our struggle to get temperature into the tyres, which affected our performance very badly.

COULTHARD RUES POOR START

TYRE CHOICE COSTS KIMI

NO GLOATING FROM FERRARI CHIEF

Massa - handed victory.

Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali refused to crow about a Belgian Grand Prix victory handed to his team in the stewards' room.

McLaren star Hamilton had taken the chequered flag at the end of a frenzied race in Spa, only to be handed a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty which demoted him to third.

The stewards felt Hamilton had gained an advantage in cutting the final chicane at the end of lap 42 of the 44-lap race, even though he swiftly handed the lead back to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

A dicey penultimate lap in wet conditions saw the lead change hands three more times before Raikkonen eventually spun into a wall, allowing Hamilton to take the win.

But the stewards opted to hit Hamilton hard, with the time penalty giving Felipe Massa the win, slashing what would have been an eight-point lead for Hamilton in the drivers' standings to two over the Brazilian.

Domenicali, though, knew he was in no position to gloat.

"I have often said the race is not over until the official results are published, and that was the case today," said Domenicali.

"As usual, Ferrari will not comment on the stewards' decision.

"After the race we were called to the stewards and we explained our position.

"We are very disappointed for Kimi, who had driven a great race and deserved the win, especially at this rather difficult time.

"But this result is obviously very important for our championship hopes.

"Now we must maintain maximum concentration and prepare as well as possible for the forthcoming races, starting at Monza (the Italian Grand Prix next Sunday) where we will be racing in front of our home fans.

"We will also need their support at such a delicate point in the season."

Massa was not allowed to comment on his fifth win of the season, instead simply describing the race as "very strange".

Raikkonen, meanwhile, was obviously dejected at missing out on what might have been a fourth successive victory at Spa.

The reigning world champion's winless streak now runs to nine races, leaving him 19 points behind Hamilton in the championship.

"I came here to win and I came close," said Raikkonen.

"In the final laps the track conditions were very critical, and unfortunately I ran wide, and when I tried to get back on track I spun and ended up in the wall, which was a shame.

"The arrival of the rain definitely did not help. In these conditions, if you are in front you have to be more cautious as you don't know how much grip you'll find in each braking area.

"That's how Hamilton managed to close on me and then you all saw what happened.

"It's the second race in a row I've failed to score points.

"Clearly the championship situation is what it is, but I'm not the sort to give up that easily."

LEWIS WARY OF FERRARI THREAT

LEWIS WARY OF ‘STRONG’ FERRARI

FISICHELLA SET TO BE RETAINED

Fisichella - likely to be retained.

Giancarlo Fisichella appears certain to be retained by Force India for next season.

Indian billionaire owner Vijay Mallya sees Fisichella's experience as vital if the team are to make further progress in 2009.

Although Fisichella, along with team-mate Adrian Sutil, has yet to score a point for the team this season, Mallya has indicated the 35-year-old Italian's role is vital.

"This team needs the experience of Giancarlo, has needed it, and as we design the 2009 car, needs it even more," said Mallya on the 13-season veteran.

"This team has never had the benefit in the last two or three years of an experienced driver.

"To give you an example, I race horses, and what the jockey tells you, no-one else can.

"You can have the best trainer in the world, but you need a jockey to tell you how good or bad the horse is.

"Similarly, I firmly believe driver feedback on a car is invaluable and that is why Giancarlo is performing a very valuable role for us."

It remains to be seen whether 25-year-old German Sutil will also be with the team for next season, although the signs are good.

Mallya added: "I have contracts and an option on both. As far as I'm concerned, if you look around, who is available."

One option Mallya is ruling out - at least for next season - is Indian driver Karun Chandhok, currently racing in GP2.

"I would love to give Karun a go as a test driver first," remarked Mallya.

"He is a year away from a race seat. I need to see him consistently winning in GP2, not an odd race here and there.

"He has it in him to do it, and when he does it, then sure, I would love to have an Indian driver in the car if I could.

"But at the end of the day, on one hand I cannot be encouraging the team's performance, and then doing something that might compromise the result.

"I don't believe he is there yet. I'm not saying he won't get there, but I am hoping he will."

MALLYA SEES BRIGHT FUTURE

MALLYA HOPES TO BREAK DUCK

DOUBLE-TON FISI ‘STILL YOUNG’

BELGIAN GRAND PRIX CLOCKWATCH

Hamilton can celebrate again.

FINISH: Please join us again next weekend for the Italian GP

FINISH: What a race and victory for Hamilton, who extends his lead in the championship to eight points

Lap 44: Hamilton narrowly avoids a Red Bull to win the Belgian GP! What a win. Massa is second with Heidfeld coming from 7th place at the start of the final lap to finish third

Lap 44: That has to be the moment of the season! Awesome racing!

Lap 43: Some drivers have pitted for wet tyres but Hamilton and Massa both stay out

Lap 43: And Raikkonen crashes! He's out of the race! He's in the barrier and it's over for him

Lap 43: Now Hamilton leads as Raikkonen spins it handing the place back to the McLaren driver

Lap 43: Raikkonen fights back moments later and is up to the lead as Hamilton runs wide and onto the grass. Raikkonen leads!

Lap 43: And Hamilton has taken the lead of the grand prix. the McLaren driver is much quicker in these wet conditions and he takes Raikkonen only to have to take to the tarmac which means he gives the place back to Raikkonen. However, the following corner he takes the place and is leading

Lap 43: The rain is coming down harder and it starting to bother the drivers

Lap 42: Hamilton locks up, putting his McLaren into a mini-slide which costs him over a second

Lap 41: With only a few laps to go Hamilton has cut Raikkonen's lead to less than a second!

Lap 40: The final five drivers in the race, Nakajima, Button, Sutil, Trulli and Fisi, have all been lapped

Lap 39: Should the results stay as is Hamilton will extend his lead in the Championship by a further two points over Massa while Raikkonen will be 11 points off the pace

Lap 38: Drops of rain are falling in the pit lane. This could be an awesome wet end to the grand prix

Lap 37: Hamilton is again closing the gap to Raikkonen. It's down to 1.6s

Lap 36: Alonso is warned not to make any mistakes as Renault expect the rain to come down in the next few minutes

Lap 35: Only five seconds separate the top three with Raikkonen leading Hamilton and Massa

Lap 34: Kovalainen pits and rejoins in eighth place behind the BMWs

Lap 34: Kubica pits hoping to make up a position on Bourdais in his final stop of the afternoon. His stop is over 12s and he comes out behind both Toro Rossos

Lap 33: Bourdais pits from fourth place. Great afternoon for the Toro Rosso driver. Webber pits

Lap 32: Heidfeld pits from seventh place

Lap 31: Ferrari have denied that Massa's engine is misfiring although concede he may have turn down the revs in the closing stage of the race

Lap 30: Hamilton is closing in on Raikkonen with the gap less than two seconds

Lap 29: Kovalainen takes ninth place off Webber and manages to avoid hitting the Red Bull driver this time around

Lap 29: Ferrari mechanics are out for Massa who pits from the lead. The Brazilian stops for 7.9s and comes out in third place

Lap 28: Alonso pits from fourth place for 7.5s

Lap 28: Hamilton appears to have the advantage over Raikkonen on the harder Bridgestone rubber, which both drivers are using. He takes 0.8s out of Raikkonen that lap

Lap 27: Glock pits from ninth place. He is one-stopping here this afternoon

Lap 27: Rain expected in 20 minutes

Lap 27: Reports drifting in suggest that Massa could have an engine problem

Lap 26: Rosberg pits from 12th place

Lap 26: Raikkonen pits from the lead and Hamilton pits as well. Kimi is in for 9.1s and Hamilton is in for 8.7s

Lap 25: Fisichella and the man in front of him, Trulli, have both been lapped

Lap 24: Fisichella, who is the last driver in the race, pits

Lap 23: Heidfeld is trying to get closer to Vettel. The gap is less than a second but has been holding steady for a while

Lap 22: Despite the cloud cover the rain is staying away at the moment

Lap 21: BMW have informed Kubica that Bourdais will have to pit a lap before him so he must just stay on the Toro Rosso's tail and he'll have fifth place

Lap 20: Barrichello is taking his helmet off in the Honda garage. He reported lost sixth gear on his Honda

Lap 20: Kubica has closed up on Bourdais and is looking for a way to take fifth place off the Toro Rosso man

Lap 19: Raikkonen's lead is up to 5.7s over Hamilton

Lap 18: Barrichello and Sutil both pit. They are running at the back of the pack, in 16th and 17th place respectively

Lap 17: Vettel pits from fourth place. He comes out in seventh place

Lap 17: Raikkonen sets a new fastest lap, it's a 1:48.229

Lap 16: So after the first round of stops it is Raikkonen, Hamilton, Massa, Vettel (who has yet to stop), Alonso, Bourdais, Kubica and Glock (who has yet to stop)

Lap 15: Kovalainen has fulfilled his drive-through penalty and is now down in 14th place

Lap 15: Bourdais and Heidfeld both pit with the Toro Rosso just managing to get out ahead of the BMW driver

Lap 14: Alonso pits from the lead moments before his team-mate Piquet Jr goes off and hits the tyre wall. The nose of his Renault is damaged and although he seems to want to get going but has to park his badly damaged car. His race is over

Lap 13: Massa's turn to pit from the lead. The Brazilian stops for 7.6s and he comes out behind Heidfeld. Kovalainen pits for fuel. He still has to fulfil his drive-through penalty

Lap 12: Webber pits for fuel. Button overtakes Trulli for 16th place

Lap 12: Raikkonen pits from the lead. He stops for 7.1s and comes out ahead of Bourdais

Lap 11: Kovalainen is under investigation and has been given a drive-through penalty for his avoidable accident with Webber

Lap 11: Hamilton pits from second place. He stops for 6.8s and comes out just behind Kovalainen

Lap 10: Kovalainen tries to take Webber, but runs in too deep and collects the Red Bull driver. Webber heads to the pits for repairs

Lap 9: Kovalainen easily powers by Kubica on the run to Les Combes while Sutil takes a trip across the grass at Fagnes and then hits the gravel. He is down in 19th place

Lap 8: Raikkonen fastest with a 1:49.109

Lap 8: Vettel takes 10th place off Piquet Jr who is fast falling down the order having initially made his way up to sixth place on the opening lap

Lap 7: Kovalainen has closed up on Kubica, less than half a second separate the two drivers

Lap 7: Heidfeld passes Piquet Jr for ninth position at Les Combes

Lap 6: With no rain falling the track is definitely drying out with the lap times falling. Fisichella is lapped by Raikkonen and Hamilton

Lap 5: Raikkonen leads Hamilton by 1.4s with Massa a further 2 adrift. Alonso is holding tight to fourth place ahead of Bourdais and Webber

Lap 4: Kovalainen dives down the outside of Piquet Jr and is up into the points. Raikkonen sets a fastest lap, a 1:51.439

Lap 3: Kovalainen pushes by Heidfeld and is up to ninth. Kubica has taken seventh place off Piquet Jr

Lap 3: Kovalainen overtakes Glock for 10th place while Hamilton takes up a look up the inside of Raikkonen. The McLaren man, though, is that bit too far behind to pull off a move

Lap 2: Webber has taken sixth place off Piquet Jr. Kovalainen is having to make up for his horrid start and is now up to 11th place

Lap 2: A spin from Hamilton forces Raikkonen wide and off the track while Massa almost collects the McLaren. The results is that Raikkonen closes right up on Hamilton's tail. The Finn easily passes the Brit to take the lead

Lap 1: Trulli spins allow Piquet Jr to move up to sixth place

Lap 1: Raikkonen has overtaken Massa for second place

Lap 1: Hamilton flies off the grid with Massa right up behind him. Bad start from Kovalainen who falls behind while Raikkonen runs wide by still manages to take third place ahead of Alonso and Bourdais

START: And it's go in Belgium!

13h04: The grid reforms as the drivers gear up for the race

13h00: The formation lap is underway with all the drivers leaving the grid without any problems

12h55: The grid girls make their way off the track as race control reveals that no rain is expected in the next 30 minutes

12h50: It is overcast here today with the air temperature sitting at 15'C and the track temp at 16'C. The cold temperatures should suit the McLarens while Ferrari have admitted they struggle to get their tyres up to temperature in the cold

12h45: Pit lane is closed

12h45: Jenson Button, who is lining up P17, is off the track at the Bus Stop chicane on his way to the grid. Rather embarrassing for the Brit.

12h40: Given the length of this track, which is 7kms, there is always the possibility that it could rain in one part and stay dry in others, making it a rather difficult circuit to navigate

12h35: Light showers are expected later today however, it is believed that the bulk of the rain has already passed over the circuit, leaving it damp ahead of the start of the race

12h30: The pit lane is open for the next 15 minutes, allowing the drivers to make their way to their grid slots

12h25: However, as a three-time winner of this race Raikkonen is hoping to come from fourth place to bag the win here this afternoon and put himself back in the Championship race. The Finn is 13 points off the pace

12h20: Their team-mates Heikki Kovalainen and Kimi Raikkonen will make up the second row of the grid and could play a role in deciding both the outcome of this race and the eventual outcome of the Championship battle

12h10: Title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa are set a battle royale this afternoon as the two drivers are starting first and second on the grid. Hamilton is leading Massa in the title race by six points

12h00: Welcome to coverage of the Belgian GP, round 13 of the 2008 Championship, which takes place at the drivers' favourite Spa-Francorchamps circuit

BRITISH GP: LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

MONACO GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

HAMILTON STRIPPED OF BELGIUM WIN

Hamilton - stripped of victory.

Two hours after jubilantly believing he had won his fifth race this year at the Belgian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton saw his victory overturned and replaced with a retrospective third-placed finish.

Hamilton had left the track thinking he had taken maximum points and stretched his lead in the drivers' championship to eight points before the race stewards intervened.

The trio of Nicholas Deschaux, Surinder Thatti and Yves Bacquelaine imposed a retrospective 25-second drive-through penalty against the McLaren star.

That saw 23-year-old's championship lead slashed to just two points and handed Felipe Massa his fifth triumph of the season.

McLaren have registered their intent to appeal, although the rules state they will be unable to officially go ahead with a protest.

It is now one for the FIA Court of Appeal to determine if McLaren have grounds to pursue their complaint, otherwise it will simply be withdrawn.

The incident that led to the penalty arrived at the end of lap 42 as the rain Hamilton had been praying for inside the cockpit of his car duly arrived.

It allowed Formula One's wet-weather king to reel in leader Kimi Raikkonen, and on approach to the Bus Stop Chicane, he had the Finn in his sights.

Darting around the outside, both drivers locked up their brakes on entry, with Hamilton taking evasive action by using a run-off area to his left.

Returning to the track in the lead, the 23-year-old knew he had to yield his position, otherwise he would have been duly penalised.

The young Briton did so, with Raikkonen crossing the start-finish line narrowly ahead, before Hamilton promptly filed in behind.

Taking up the slipstream, he then proceeded to vault past reigning world champion Raikkonen on entry to the La Source hairpin.

The stewards, however, deemed Hamilton had cut the chicane and so gained an advantage.

Initially, that was the case, but the fact he gave up the lead to Raikkonen - as the regulations also deem must happen - suggest he played fair.

The three stewards did not think so and the celebratory champagne inside the McLaren brand centre went very flat, very quickly.

In the French Grand Prix in June Hamilton did cut a corner and gained an advantage, and was appropriately handed a drive-through penalty.

No wonder the smiles turned into long faces inside McLaren, and ultimately a statement issued on behalf of the team.

A McLaren spokesman said: "We looked at all our data, and also made it available to the FIA stewards.

"It showed that, having lifted, Lewis was six kilometres per hour slower than Kimi as they crossed the start-finish line.

"Having passed the lead back to Kimi, Lewis repositioned his car, moving across and behind Kimi to the right-hand line, and then outbraked him into the hairpin.

"Based on this data, we have no option other than to register our intention to appeal.

"We are a racing team and we will now focus on Monza (the Italian Grand Prix next Sunday), with a view to extending our lead in the drivers' world championship."

Despite his joy at the win, describing his fight with Raikkonen as "one of the most exciting for a long time," Hamilton perhaps had an inkling as to what might transpire.

Asked prior to the penalty whether he would be surprised if the stewards did punish him, Hamilton replied: "Absolutely, absolutely.

"This is motor racing and if there's a penalty, then there's something wrong because I was ahead going into that corner, so I didn't gain an advantage from it.

"We were still able to race at the next corner and I gave him his spot back, and I think it was fair and square, so I think it would be absolutely wrong."

Somewhat pertinently, he added: "But you know what they (stewards) are like."

Not for the first time this season Hamilton has incurred the wrath of the stewards, initially in Bahrain when he and team-mate Heikki Kovalainen were handed five-place grid penalties for impeding other drivers in qualifying.

Hamilton was then demoted 10 places for the French Grand Prix after driving into the back of Raikkonen in the pit lane in the previous race in Canada.

Add in the drive-through penalty in Magny-Cours and a 5,000 euros fine for being late to a press conference in Valencia a fortnight ago, and it has been a miserable year in one respect for Hamilton.

And so we move on to Italy, Ferrari's home ground, with Raikkonen just about in the title race as he is now 19 points adrift in the wake of sliding into a wall on lap 43 due to the wet conditions.

As for the minor places, Fernando Alonso was fourth in his Renault, followed by Sebastian Vettel for Toro Rosso, BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica and Sebastien Bourdais in his Toro Rosso.

Toyota's Timo Glock did finish eighth but, in a busy day for the stewards, he was handed a 25-second penalty for overtaking under waved yellow flags, allowing Red Bull's Mark Webber to claim the final point.

RAIKKONEN BACKS HAMILTON PENALTY

HAMILTON PENALTY PROMPTS FRENCH PLOT

HAMILTON PAYS FURTHER PENALTY

RED BULL BOSS FIRED UP

Horner - bullish.

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has vowed his team will come out fighting this weekend in the wake of a wretched run of form.

Following a strong start to the season, primarily courtesy of Mark Webber, the team has failed to chalk up a point in their last four races.

Red Bull were on course for what would have been a stunning fourth place in the constructors' championship, but have since slipped to sixth.

Somewhat embarrassingly, sister team Toro Rosso have proven a far more reliable outfit of late, with Sebastian Vettel securing a season-high sixth-place finish in the last race in Valencia.

Yet Horner is convinced all is not lost and his team will rise again in the final third of the Formula One campaign.

"After a very strong first half of the season, the team has endured a very frustrating past few weeks," reflected Horner ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix in Spa.

"It is extremely important we reverse this trend and get back on terms with Renault and close the gap to Toyota.

"Over the past six weeks we have analysed our performance in great detail, and that analysis reveals the chassis is working well, and we have pushed very hard in the factory to improve in all areas.

"Valencia did not play to our strengths, but we are convinced we can bounce back.

"The team has worked well together, putting in concerted effort and man-hours to understand and find solutions to our recent problems.

"So we are going to Spa in fighting mood, determined to come away with some points."

Horner claims Red Bull's main issue has been due to tyres, with other teams making better use of the rubber at their disposal.

Believing the problems have been overcome, Horner is now expecting a far stronger showing in Spa.

"We need to go there and attack the weekend, with both our drivers on top of their game, aiming to finish in the points," insisted Horner.

"At the moment, the section of the grid that includes BMW, Renault, Toyota, ourselves, Williams and now, Sebastian Vettel, is extremely tight.

"As we've seen at the last few races, a tenth of a second can make the difference between four grid positions.

"Even with the long lap at Spa, I think we can expect a very tight grid while the early autumn weather and the race taking place a weekend later than usual can add further unpredictability."

VETTEL CHOSEN OVER ‘BIG NAMES’

VET HAS REMEDY FOR BULLS

RED BULL TARGET FOURTH

KIMI HAPPY TO PLAY TEAM GAME

Raikkonen - would help Massa.

Kimi Raikkonen has revealed he will offer a helping hand to Felipe Massa in the Formula One world title race should the need arise.

Although team orders are banned in F1, a driver can opt to act of his own accord, as witnessed earlier this year in the German Grand Prix.

On that occasion, Heikki Kovalainen was informed McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton was considerably quicker than him late on in the race.

Kovalainen made a decision to let Hamilton pass, allowing the 23-year-old to mount a charge and take the chequered flag.

With the title race in limbo, Raikkonen appreciates there may come a time when he will defer to Ferrari team-mate Massa to help the Brazilian's title push.

At present, with a third of the season remaining, Raikkonen is 13 points adrift of leader Hamilton and seven behind Massa.

"It can happen," replied reigning world champion Raikkonen when asked if at a stage late in the season he would help Massa fight for the title.

"It all depends on how the next few races go and where we are at the end of the year, but we race as a team. We will see.

"Hopefully we won't end up in that situation, and hopefully I will be in the championship up to the last race.

"But you never know what can happen."

Raikkonen has had his problems that have left him chasing his title rivals, notably in the last race in Valencia when his engine blew.

The Finn is hoping the issues that have left him languishing behind Massa in qualifying and in the races of late have been eradicated, and he can push on again.

"There has been a problem, but it is not the first time and it is not the end of life," added Raikkonen, aiming for a fourth consecutive Belgian Grand Prix victory on Sunday.

"Things go wrong sometimes, and we've been trying to fix that. You have bad races.

"Hopefully we have found something now and we can get back to where we should be and have a stronger weekend."

Ferrari believe last week's test in Monza was highly beneficial to the 28-year-old, and that he should be back on the pace in Spa this weekend.

"We tried many things and were pretty happy with the car, but you never know from a test," said Massa.

"It can be a good test, then you come to the next place and it is a different circuit with different conditions.

"We came away with a good feeling from the test, and hopefully we have found something and we can be stronger, but it is too early to say. We will see."

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

KIMI HAPPY DESPITE PROBLEMS

McLAREN PLAN HAMILTON APPEAL

Hamilton - demoted to third at Spa.

McLaren Mercedes have said they intend to appeal against the decision to strip Lewis Hamilton of victory in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

Race stewards decided that Hamilton had cut a chicane and gained an advantage while battling Ferrari's World Champion Kimi Raikkonen for the lead at Spa-Francorchamps.

A retrospective drive-through penalty of 25 seconds was applied at the end of the race, meaning that Hamilton dropped from first place to third.

With Ferrari's Felipe Massa promoted to the race win and BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld moving up to second, Hamilton's Championship lead over the Brazilian now stands at just two points.

A team spokesman said: "We have no option other than to register our intention to appeal.

"We have studied the details and put them before the FIA stewards.

"They show that after cutting the chicane Lewis lifted off, he was 6km/h slower than Kimi.

"After conceding the lead to Kimi, Lewis repositioned his car on the right and beat Kimi on the brakes going into the hairpin."

Hamilton is adamant he did nothing wrong, and explained what transpired at the critical moment of the race, which could potentially prove a pivotal moment in the championship.

"It began to rain," said Hamilton.

"I caught Kimi and I got a good tow from him down the back straight and I was in a good position to dive down the inside at turn 18.

"He covered his spot, which was fair, but he braked very early, so I was able to outbrake him and go around the outside, which I did.

"I left him enough room. I didn't close the gap so much that he had to go on a kerb.

"Yet he accelerated, or picked up more pace going into the corner, and drove me as wide as he possibly could. I had no road left.

"There was a question I had to ask: if I stay where I am, I'm going to go over the Astroturf - there's some of it behind the last kerb - or go over it and hit him. Or I go left.

"That was the option I had to do, and I did it.

"But I knew I had to let him past, and also the team came over the radio and said 'you have to let him past' which I did.

"I was accelerating so that I didn't lose too much ground because I thought that would be unfair.

"Fortunately I got back in his slipstream, and again he moved to the inside and back to the outside.

"Again, I dodged him and went up the inside and at the apex to the corner he hit me at the back, and that nearly caused me to spin.

"Fortunately I kept hold of it and went on from there. That was a great fight and I don't think there was anything wrong there.

"The rules say you should let him back past which I did."

While McLaren have registered their intent to appeal, FIA rules state that is not possible in relation to a drive-through penalty.

The matter could now revert to the FIA Court of Appeal who will determine whether there is a case to answer with regard to McLaren's protest.

HAMILTON STRIPPED OF BELGIUM WIN

HAMILTON VOWS TO STAY FOCUSED

FERRARI PAIR SET THE PACE

Raikkonen's car in action on Friday.

Ferrari's expected domination of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix today began with a one-two in opening practice.

Felipe Massa has been the Formula One force of late, with the Brazilian taking the chequered flag in the European Grand Prix in Valencia 12 days ago.

That should have been the culmination of back-to-back victories for the Ferrari star, as he was cruelly denied by a blown engine three laps from the finish in the previous race in Hungary.

After team-mate Kimi Raikkonen suffered from engine trouble in Valencia, Ferrari bosses are naturally hoping they have solved the problem and they will be trouble-free this weekend.

There were certainly no issues during the opening 90-minute session at a Spa track a world removed from the processional Hungaroring and Valencia Street Circuit.

Winding its way through the Ardennes forest for 4.35 miles, Massa was comfortably quickest, setting fastest lap after fastest lap in the closing stages, leaving Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton trailing.

Hamilton may currently hold a six-point cushion over Massa and 13 to Raikkonen, but he can expect that to be cut on Sunday if such a performance is repeated in the race.

The Ferraris have generally performed better in hotter conditions, yet although temperatures were around 15 degrees centigrade cooler than in Budapest and Valencia, Massa was out on his own.

By the close, the 27-year-old's lap of one minute 47.284 seconds was 0.339secs quicker than Raikkonen, with Hamilton 0.594secs adrift.

McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen was in close attendance in fourth, with Renault's Fernando Alonso fifth, and the only other driver to finish within a second of Massa.

The Red Bull family occupied the next three places, with Racing's Mark Webber followed by the Toro Rosso duo of Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastian Vettel.

Toyota's Timo Glock and the second Renault of Nelson Piquet rounded out the top 10, with the latter a staggering 1.784secs behind Massa.

David Coulthard was 15th for Red Bull, with the rear of the field disappointingly brought up by Honda duo Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, both an embarrassing three seconds down.

MASSA SETS THE PACE

MASSA ON POLE FOR VALENCIA

MASSA: KIMI STILL A THREAT

NAKAJIMA FEELING THE PRESSURE

Kazuki Nakajima - in limbo.

Kazuki Nakajima knows he is fighting for his Formula One future over the next six races.

Nakajima is currently driving on a knife-edge with Williams as he has yet to be informed whether his services will be retained for next year.

It has been a mixed debut season for the Japanese driver because although he has been out-qualified 10-2 by team-mate Nico Rosberg, he only trails the German by a point in the drivers' standings.

Nakajima qualified a season-high 11th in the last race in Valencia, only to blot his copybook early on the opening lap by driving into the back of Fernando Alonso, eventually finishing a lowly 15th.

Starting with Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix in Spa, the in-limbo 23-year-old knows he has to improve if he is to be retained for 2009.

"I really hope to stay at Williams. That would be my best choice," remarked Nakajima.

"But then there aren't many other choices, so to stay at Williams would be the ideal thing for me."

Asked whether there was a good possibility of him staying, Nakajima replied: "I think so, but we will have to wait for the team's decision."

At least Nakajima felt happier in the car in Valencia, despite his first-lap shunt with home hero Alonso.

"Fortunately we had a very good car which was much more competitive than in the previous few races," added Nakajima.

"That helped me and Nico a lot, so the weekend was quite good for us, and for me especially, apart from that first lap.

"But we had a good feeling which gave me a bit more confidence after, especially after a difficult few races.

"It was very good to be back in a good position."

HEIDFELD FEELING THE HEAT

WILLIAMS REMAINS UPBEAT

GLOCK TO STAY WITH TOYOTA

Glock - improving.

Timo Glock is to remain with Toyota for next season following a year of steady improvement throughout his debut campaign.

Accidents in the opening two grands prix in Australia and Malaysia robbed Glock of any chance of early points after he had looked impressive in qualifying.

The 26-year-old had to wait until the seventh round of the Formula One championship in Canada to break his points duck, finishing fourth.

A superb second followed in Hungary four weeks ago, and after claiming seventh in the European Grand Prix in Valencia a fortnight ago, Glock is currently 10th in the drivers' standings.

Although out-qualified 9-3 by team-mate Jarno Trulli, the veteran Italian has only amassed 11 points more than the rookie.

Ahead of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, team boss John Howett has confirmed Glock will again be a Toyota driver in 2009.

"We have a multi-year contract with him, and we are very happy," Howett said.

"He is progressing well, he is quick and getting more and more consistent.

"There is absolutely no hesitation he will be with us next year, and hopefully he will progress further and stay with us for more years.

"At the moment he has a very secure and bright future with us."

TOYOTA TAKING RIGHT STEPS

TOYOTA MOURN ANDERSSON

HAMILTON WARY OF KIMI CHALLENGE

Raikkonen - lean run.

Lewis Hamilton is refusing to write off Kimi Raikkonen's chances of retaining his Formula One world title.

Raikkonen endured another uncomfortable day behind the wheel of his Ferrari as he slid off the Spa track during Friday's second practice for the Belgian Grand Prix.

The spin left the Finn depositing the rear wing of his car on the circuit, along with a great deal of water, which accounted for Giancarlo Fisichella in his Force India only three minutes later.

Raikkonen was also fined a total of 4,900 euros (Ј3,955) for two separate incidents where he exceeded the pit lane speed limit.

They were just the latest troubles to blight the 28-year-old 12 days after the engine blew on his Ferrari during the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

After eight races without a win, Raikkonen is now 13 points adrift of Hamilton in the championship standings and seven behind team-mate Felipe Massa.

Yet Hamilton said: "He has his work cut out to catch us up, and Felipe is the closest target for me at the moment.

"But there are six races remaining and a lot of points available, so I don't think it's over for Kimi."

One man who knows Raikkonen will not be throwing in the towel is McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who employed him for five years prior to his departure to Ferrari.

"Kimi is a fierce competitor, a highly-talented racing driver and I wouldn't levy any criticism at him at all," Dennis said.

"The bottom line is drivers have good and bad races, and I'm sure he will forget his one in Valencia. He is more than capable of winning, so I wouldn't discount him at this stage.

"With only six races to go, I wouldn't want to make any predictions about him. That's the worst thing we could do."

Criticism has been levied at Raikkonen, though, that in the wake of his title triumph last season, he no longer has the drive and will to win.

That has been denied by Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali, who said: "Kimi's motivation is very high.

"He doesn't like the situation at the moment, but in terms of motivation I am pretty sure he has a lot inside.

"What we are doing as a team is supporting him and trying to work very hard with him, and I am looking forward to seeing again what all of us are expecting."

Despite his shunt in second practice, Raikkonen posted the second quickest time of the day set in first practice behind Massa, with Hamilton a distant third, 0.6 seconds off the pace.

LEWIS WARY OF ‘STRONG’ FERRARI

LEWIS WARY OF FERRARI THREAT

MASSA WANTS RAIKKONEN SUPPORT

Massa - eyeing title glory.

Felipe Massa is expecting payback from Kimi Raikkonen should he be in a position to win this year's Formula One world title.

After helping Raikkonen clinch his maiden championship last season, Massa believes the Finn should reply in kind if a repeat performance is beyond him.

Heading into Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, Massa trails leader Lewis Hamilton by six points, with Raikkonen 13 points behind the McLaren star with six races remaining.

As is customary in Formula One at this point in the year, questions are now being raised as to whether one team-mate will help another.

Raikkonen has indicated he will aid Massa's cause if necessary, even though he is far from out of the title picture just yet.

As far as the Brazilian is concerned, he is fully anticipating Raikkonen's assistance should there come a point when he cannot retain his crown.

Asked if he expected support should he be in a better position to win the championship, Massa replied: "If it is necessary, yes.

"I did it last year, and because of the job I did my team-mate was champion.

"If it is necessary, he should help. He is a very fair guy, as I am too. That is part of our job."

Ferrari bosses, though, have yet to set a deadline as to when one driver will have priority over the other.

"I've not spoken to anybody about it," added Massa.

"All I will say is I have always had great support inside the team from the first race, and until now it hasn't changed anything.

"We always need to do the maximum we can to win the race, or even to finish in the best condition for the championship. It doesn't change my mentality."

For now at least, there is every possibility the two will continue to trade off against each other, handing the advantage to Hamilton.

The 23-year-old has already made it clear he is playing the "long game", collecting points rather than going all out for victories as he did last season.

Regardless of Hamilton's incentives, Massa does not view the Briton any differently now compared to his debut season last year.

"He is a great driver," assessed Massa.

"He is very quick, has great ability, and I respect him like I am sure he respects me. He is also a nice guy. That is my opinion.

"This season, though, I think he has been even less consistent than he was last.

"But in F1 every race is a different experience, and sometimes you learn different things from each race.

"Sometimes things happen that make you believe or think a different way.

"Whatever happens we expect him to be a tough opponent. That is the way we approached last season when he was a rookie."

Massa is also refusing to discount a late surge from Raikkonen, who is on a miserable run of eight races without a win.

After his Ferrari suffered a blown engine in Valencia, Raikkonen's problems continued on Friday when he spun in the 90-minute second session.

The end result left the Finn depositing the rear wing of his car on the track, along with a considerable amount of water.

Unfortunately, just three minutes later it accounted for Giancarlo Fisichella in his Force India as he too spun into a barrier, and that led to the session being halted for 10 minutes.

To add to his woes, Raikkonen was also fined a total of 4,900 euros (Ј3,955) for two separate incidents where he exceeded the pit lane speed limit.

Dismissing suggestions Raikkonen is not on the ball this season in the wake of winning the world title, Massa said: "I don't think he is not motivated or not passionate about winning.

"You don't keep racing in F1, especially if you are a successful driver, just to race.

"You race because you want to win. It is part of the mentality from the good drivers.

"I have known Kimi now for two years, and for me he is the same guy I met at the first race. He hasn't changed."

Massa is clearly the man to beat at present after he was cruelly denied the win in Hungary when his own engine blew, and following his dominant triumph in Valencia.

The 27-year-old finished practice 0.339secs quicker than Raikkonen with a lap of one minute 47.284secs, with Hamilton almost 0.6secs down.

MASSA: KIMI STILL A THREAT

MASSA: HAMILTON STILL THREAT

RAIKKONEN EYES VALENCIA GLORY