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Lewis happy to survive ‘dangerous’ conditions

Lewis Hamilton says the Malaysian Grand Prix was the most dangerous race he has ever driven in as torrential rain forced race directors to stop the race.

Hamilton started the race from twelfth place but a good start allied to a long first stint brought him into play as the rain hit the track. The McLaren driver was eventually classified seventh in the shortened 32 lap race.

Hamilton admits he was lucky to come away with points at all and says he was focussed firmly on keeping the car on the road.

“When the rain came down, it was impossible to drive,” he reflected afterwards. “I was aquaplaning everywhere – these were the most dangerous conditions I’ve ever raced in.”

“All I could do was try and keep the car on the track. It was the correct decision to stop the race because it was just too dangerous for everyone. I love it when it rains, but this was just too much.”

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh added: “The extremely changeable dry-wet conditions made today’s race a very challenging one for all competitors but, as ever, Lewis’s ability shone brightly in the gathering gloom and the race brought another really impressive performance from him.”

“He kept his head throughout, and the result was a hard-earned point for seventh place. That may not sound like a great deal by our usually high standards but, given where he started, it’s a step in the right direction. Overall, then, in testing conditions the team did a great job as did Lewis.”

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