Hamilton unfazed by fueling problem

SINGAPORE, Sept 25, 2011 (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton made light of failing to deliver a second flying lap in final qualifying Saturday for the Singapore Grand Prix after a fuelling problem left him languishing in the pits.

The 26-year-old Briton wound up fourth on the grid and will line up alongside third-placed McLaren team-mate and compatriot Jenson Button for Sunday's 61-lap race.

But it might have been far better for Hamilton.

He was a provisional second after his first run, but was pushed down to fourth when Australian Mark Webber of Red Bull and then Button improved their times behind pole-sitter and championship chaser Sebastian Vettel in the leading Red Bull car. 

"Well, we came in, tried to refuel the car and had a fuelling problem so they couldn't do it," explained a cool Hamilton when asked how he missed out on a second go.

"We were running out of time bit by bit and they just couldn't get enough fuel in the car so we were too late to go again and unfortunately weren't able to get the second run.

"But these things happen and the team did the best job they could. We're not in a bad position.

"I think we probably could've been on the front row, I think we had a little bit more time in the bag, so that's positive for tomorrow."

Hamilton had a scare in Q2 when he picked up a puncture while only just inside the cut-off point in eighth position ahead of the top-ten shootout.

He said: "I think I went over a kerb and they said it lost pressure immediately. There are lots of bolts hanging out of the kerbs so that's what they've been having problems with all weekend. Maybe that's it."