‘Awesome’ day as Lewis Hamilton impresses during practice at Canadian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton during practice for the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Dan Istitene / Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton hailed an “awesome” day after putting himself in the box seat to claim pole position for Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix with an impressive practice double.

The 31-year-old world champion has already won in Montreal on four occasions – including his debut victory here back in 2007 – and based on his sizzling Friday form, he is the clear favourite to extend that run to five.

Hamilton, who ended a seven-month losing streak by winning the last race in Monaco, was fastest in both practice sessions on Friday, and perhaps more notably, was a mammoth half-a-second faster than his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg.

Graham Caygill in Montreal: Rosberg title credentials major test from Hamilton in Canada

“It’s been an awesome day,” Hamilton said. “This has always been a strong circuit for me and I’m really enjoying being back here again.

“I’ve generally been really happy with the car so far, and the focus has been on working hard to make sure we have a good understanding of the tyres.

“I’m enjoying myself and hoping the weather stays like this over the weekend for all the fans out there in the grandstands.”

The weather, however, could provide the Briton with his biggest stumbling block. Rain is forecast for Sunday’s race, and while Hamilton so often excels in the inclement conditions, it also lends itself to unpredictable races.

In the dry on Friday, only Felipe Massa found himself in the wall at the Gilles-Villeneuve Circuit after he lost control of his Williams under braking at Turn 1.

Massa, in an interview with Press Association Sport, had warned Hamilton that his whirlwind lifestyle could cause him to drop points this season.

“He is preparing for his second life after Formula One and it can be a problem for his career,” the Brazilian said. “It can maybe take some concentration away, and on some days it can make him lose points.”

But a jovial Hamilton responded on Friday night: “I think what was really interesting today was some comment from Felipe Massa about me having to focus on my driving - and then he went out at turn one. I think today shows that I am super focused on my job and I am going to continue to do so.”

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport