SAO PAULO, Oct 31: Home hero Felipe Massa made a perfect start to his Formula One title showdown with McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton after lapping fastest in Friday’s opening practice at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver, seven points behind Hamilton and embarking on the final stage of what some see as a Mission Impossible to wrest the title from the 23-year-old’s grasp, lapped the Interlagos circuit in one minute 12.305 seconds.

Hamilton, who can become the sport’s youngest champion after blowing his chance last year, was second and just 0.190 off his rival’s pace in a cool and overcast session in which he had set the early pace.

Ferrari’s outgoing champion Kimi Raikkonen, the Finn who made up a seven point deficit in Brazil last year to beat the Briton by a single point, was third despite a spin.

Hamilton need only finish fifth on Sunday to be champion, even if Massa wins his home race as expected, and will be unlikely to push too hard in what will be the second race for his Mercedes engine.

Both the Ferraris have new engines for Brazil, a boost for their bid to retain the constructors’ championship. They lead McLaren by 11 points.

“We don’t have to win (the race) so that is a pressure off our shoulders,” Hamilton said after his arrival at the circuit on Thursday.

“We have not come here to finish further down the order but we obviously know that it is not do or die.” Poland’s Robert Kubica, fighting to end the season in third place for BMW-Sauber, was fourth fastest with McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen fifth and Renault’s double world champion Fernando Alonso sixth.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....