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Lewis Hamilton confident of successful Italian GP

Lewis Hamilton remains confident that his Italian Grand Prix will not be affected by starting Sunday's race with a flat-spotted front tyre.

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Lewis Hamilton remains confident his Italian Grand Prix will not be affected by starting Sunday's race with a flat-spotted front tyre.

Hamilton was in imperious form at Monza on Saturday as Mercedes dominated at the 'Temple of Speed', the Brit taking first place on the grid by almost half a second from team-mate Nico Rosberg,

Fears for the championship leader's opening stint were raised when Hamilton set his quickest time in Q2, but locked up his right-front tyre in the process - meaning he will start on uneven rubber.

However, the Briton believes his chances of a third win from pole around Monza in as many seasons remain unaffected.

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"I didn't really damage the tyres," he said. "I just had a small lock up into Turn One and ultimately for the race tomorrow you want everything to be perfect.

"I had the pace, went back out and I was actually up, but then I lost it in the last corner. But the flat spot is minimal, you can't really feel it so I don't think it will be a problem."

A fifth pole at Hamilton moves him level with legendary record holders Ayrton Senna and Juan Manuel Fangio.

"I was only made aware of the record coming into this weekend, so that was in the back of my mind and I was hoping it wouldn't steer me off course," Hamilton said.

"I feel incredibly proud to be up amongst Senna and Juan Manuel - I never in a million years thought my name would be mentioned in the same sentence as theirs.

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"But this weekend I have a very strong feeling and I came with my A-game today, particularly the last lap, it felt incredible. What this team has achieved is phenomenal."

A curt Rosberg had no excuse for trailing his stable-mate by such a large margin, with his nine-point deficit in the drivers' standings looking likely to be widened on race day.

"I think the best explanation is he did some good laps and that is it," the German said.

"I had a decent weekend up until now and got some good laps in today, just not quick enough."

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