Hamilton on pole at season opener
MOTOR RACING: Lewis Hamilton is predicting a tight championship battle, despite clearing the first hurdle to victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix by securing a brilliant pole position. Hamilton will be joined on the front row by Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel, who at this very early stage of Formula One’s new-look era would appear to be the Briton’s closest rival for a fourth title. But while Vettel, Ferrari and indeed the sport – which is desperately relying on another constructor to take the challenge to Hamilton’s all-conquering Mercedes team – will be pleased they are in contention, it is the 32year-old Briton who is revelling in yet another qualifying masterclass. Hamilton’s latest one-lap triumph marked the 62nd pole of his career, which leaves him only three behind Ayrton Senna and six adrift of Michael Schumacher.