Zoom Hamilton heading to the pole through Eau Rouge

Lewis Hamilton will start the Belgian Grand Prix from pole position after using Bridgestone’s softer 'medium' compound Potenza tyre to lap the 7km Spa Francorchamps circuit in a time of 1:47.338s, over three-tenths faster than his nearest rival.

Hamilton set his time under grey skies but on a dry track in the Ardennes-located circuit. Championship rival, Felipe Massa was second fastest for Ferrari. Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen and Massa’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen will start tomorrow’s race from third and fourth respectively.

Hirohide Hamashima, Tyre Development Director
“Today we saw some interesting running as the weather conditions were quite typical for Spa, meaning that they are difficult and far from ideal for drivers, but interesting for spectators. "

"We are happy with the tyre performance we have seen, with both compounds providing good lap times and grip given the cold and damp conditions. As you would expect, the harder compound takes slightly longer to warm-up to operating temperature, but managed correctly very good lap times compared to the medium compound were possible."

"Tomorrow’s race is likely to be all about strategy and skill in whatever weather the Ardennes gives us.”

E.A. © CAPSIS International