Mercedes in frantic race against time to fix Hamilton's car

Mercedes crews are in a frantic race against the clock to get Lewis Hamilton's car repaired in time for Saturday afternoon's qualifying session.

Half-way through this morning's FP3 session, Hamilton lost control of his Silver Arrow after putting his left-hand wheel on a kerb on the approach to the Les Fagnes chicane.

The Brit hopelessly battled his car in a series of rapid tank-slappers but veered off course and into the outside wall, heavily damaging his car's left front end.

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It was initially feared that the crash may have damaged the Mercedes' chassis, but a spokesman for the German outfit said that barring any hidden damage, the repair work would only involve component changes.

"We will be replacing both front corners (suspension and wheel assemblies), nose, barge boards and floor," said the Mercedes rep.

"Barring unexpected nasty surprises, we believe we can complete all of the work in time for the start of qualifying."

Hamilton's mishap was a rare mistake on the part of the reigning world champion, and one that comes on a weekend in which Ferrari has a clear edge over Mercedes, at least on pure pace.

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