Set-up not perfect for quali but good for the race - Hamilton

With Mercedes locking out the front row in qualifying for the 13th time this season, Lewis Hamilton will line up alongside Nico Rosberg in second place for the fourth consecutive time.

The newly crowned World Champion was pipped to pole by his team mate and although his final run was perhaps affected by a slight mistake and lock-up in the stadium, Hamilton conceded Rosberg's supremacy in Q3.

"Nico's been quick this weekend," said Ham. "It felt pretty good out there and I think I got absolutely the most out of the set-up, even though there may have been some limitations there. P2 really isn't the worst case scenario."

Even starting from second, Hamilton's races have been pretty good lately, and with the long run down to the first turn tomorrow, his chances remains intact.

"We've got big differences in balances set-up wise, so it'll be interesting to see how much of a difference that happens to make. Perhaps the avenue I went might not have been the perfect one for qualifying but it should be good for the race."

"I'm fairly relaxed for tomorrow, my races have been pretty good for a while so I'm looking forward to the race."

REPORT: Rosberg beats Hamilton to Mexican GP pole

AS IT HAPPENED: Mexican Grand Prix - Qualifying

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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