Hamilton excited about starting from back of grid

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Starting from the back row at the Belgian Grand Prix will do little for Lewis Hamilton's chances of a 50th career race win.

But it will bring back exciting memories of his childhood days racing against the odds in karts.

"I had a really bad gokart when I started and always had to start last because it was so bad, and then I drove through the field," the 31-year-old British driver said. "I hope I still know how to do it."

Hamilton took a 15place grid penalty in Friday's morning practice session for having changed too many engine parts this season, and was then handed a further 15-place penalty following another component change in the afternoon.

That means he will start Sunday's race from the back row along with McLaren's Fernando Alonso, who incurred a 35-place grid penalty for a similar array of component changes. Saturday will decide which of the drivers — who share five world titles — starts from last.

Hamilton, chasing a third straight F1 title and fourth overall, won at Spa last year. A repeat win is a long shot — even for Hamilton — but since Spa is the longest track in F1 at 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and is very fast, it should help him pick up valuable points.

Hamilton has a 19point lead over Rosberg, his Mercedes rival, in the title race. Rosberg is seeking his fifth win of the season, and first at Spa.