Hamilton’s fears over new tyres in rain-hit Shanghai
“I am not really looking forward to a wet track because I haven’t driven on the new tyres,” said Hamilton, who will be among only a handful of drivers yet to trial this year’s wet-weather rubber.
“Usually, I like driving in the wet, but I am a little bit apprehensive.
“If you had to bolt them on for qualifying right now I have never driven them before. It is a much bigger tyre this year and there is a big risk that in the wet you damage the car. I have only got four engines and we have got a shortage of parts.
“I might go out and it might be exactly the same as it has been in the past, but that is unlikely. I have really got to learn as much as I can in a short period of time. “But I do relish the challenge and I believe if anyone is able to do it, I can, so I will figure it out.” The Briton trails Vettel in the championship after he claimed his and Ferrari’s first victory in 18 months. Ferrari have traditionally fared well at Albert Park, but the Shanghai International Circuit and its two long straights will suit Hamilton’s Mercedes engine. As such, this weekend’s race will be a stern test of the Italian team’s championship credentials. Middlesex seamer Harry Podmore has returned to Glamorgan for a second loan spell. The 22-year-old has been brought in for a month following injuries to fellow bowlers Ruaidhri Smith, Graham Wagg, Timm Van Der Gugten and Michael Hogan. Meanwhile, Somerset chief executive Guy Lavender is to leave the county at the end of the 2017 season to take up the same role with the MCC.