Hamilton means business in China GP practice

Shanghai - Lewis Hamilton made a strong statement on Friday when he dominated free practice for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix in which he can clinch the Formula One world title. The Briton Hamilton drove his McLaren-Mercedes around the 5.451-kilometres course in 1 minute 35.630 seconds in the morning session. He was also unbeatable in the afternoon with a leading time of 1:35.750 minutes. Title rival Felipe Massa was second in the first session in 1:36.020 and his Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, the dethroned world champion, third in 1:36.052. In the second session, the Singapore and Japan winner Fernando Alonso was second in a Renault in 1:36.024 and his team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr third in 1:36.094. Massa was sixth in 1:36.480 minutes. 'This is the best possible way to kick off any weekend and has given me extra confidence for the next few days. I feel in a very good place right now,' said Hamilton. Hamilton, 23, leads the standings with 84 points from Massa (79) and BMW-Sauber driver Robert Kubica (72). Raikkonen is out of contention with 63 points with just two races remaining. Hamilton can wrap up the title on Sunday to become the youngest champion in F1 history if he garners six points more than Massa. The season-ending race is on November 2 in Brazil, where Massa still hopes to be in contention in front of a home crowd. Massa said that Friday qualifying meant nothing: 'There are possibilities to be strong in qualifying and the race. It would be nice to start in the front or the front row ... I am confident.' Hamilton held a 17-point lead heading into the final two races last year, but failed to finish in China and came only seventh in Brazil as Raikkonen stole the trophy by winning both races. A third qualifying session and qualifying are scheduled for Saturday in Shanghai, and the 56-lap race is on Sunday.