Hamilton sets pace in practice
Hamilton will be looking to add to his nine podium finishes on Sunday
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Friday, 20, Jul 2007 09:45
Lewis Hamilton has finished in the top two places in practice sessions ahead of the European grand prix at the Nurburgring.
The championship leader, who was suffering with flu, was fastest in the morning session after finishing ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso.
Hamilton set the fastest lap overall with one minute 32.515 seconds, about two hundredths of a second faster than Raikkonen.
The 22-year-old took second in the afternoon practice session, narrowly behind Finn Raikkonen.
Ferrari's Felipe Massa was third fastest while Alonso was fourth quickest in Germany.
Hamilton admitted he was still struggling with flu ahead of qualifying tomorrow.
"I don't feel 100 per cent, but I'm still able to get out on track and drive as normal as always," Hamilton said.
"It's almost like you switch off from any problems you have and you just do your job. Physically I think I'm going to be OK.
"As for the car, that feels a bit better this weekend. We have a slightly better balance, so I feel more comfortable in the car.
"I feel quite confident about this weekend, quite optimistic. It's going to be a good battle with the Ferraris."
Hamilton leads two-time world champion Alonso by 12 points with eight races remaining in the drivers' championship.
The Briton has finished third in his last two races after a resurgence by Ferrari led by Raikkonen.