Hamilton: starts from second on the grid

I'll aim to challenge Felipe, but if I don't get close enough then I will just try to keep my position.

Lewis Hamilton
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

• McLaren

Drivers

• Felipe Massa
• Lewis Hamilton

Also see

• F1 forum
• Live coverage
• Bet now with Sky Bet

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton admitted he faces an uphill task in Sunday's European Grand Prix after qualifying second behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

McLaren driver Hamilton believes his Brazilian rival - who is eight points behind in the title race - is still smarting after victory was snatched from his grasp in a cruel fashion three weeks ago in Hungary.

Massa would have taken over at the top but for his Ferrari engine blowing three laps from home when he was coasting to the win.

"It will be a close fight again with Ferrari, but as you saw in sector one (on the track), Felipe destroyed everyone," said Hamilton.

"They're going to be the car to beat, but we're going to push as hard as we can to do so.

"We've done a great job so far. Our approach has been as good as ever. We've come here with a strong package, and at least we're close to the Ferraris.

"I'm quite happy with the job we've done today, and being on the front row puts us in a good position to fight for a win, so I'm very, very happy.

"It's just important we get a good start. I'll aim to challenge Felipe, but if I don't get close enough then I will just try to keep my position."