Hamilton hopeful of Chinese Grand Prix success despite five-place grid penalty hit

Beijing, Apr 13(ANI): McLaren's ace driver Lewis Hamilton has suffered an early blow in his bid to win the Chinese Grand Prix, as he has been hit with a five-place grid penalty due to replacing his faulty gearbox.

According to the Formula One's rules, a gearbox can be changed only after five races, and any unscheduled change would prompt sanctions.

The former F1 champion Hamilton has finished third in the opening two races of the season despite starting in pole position both times.

However, Hamilton is confident the penalty won't affect his morale, and he is focused on winning the Chinese Grand Prix.

"It's not good news but that's racing. It does not mean I have to get on pole to start in sixth, it just means I have a steeper hill to climb. The conditions could be changeable and in the last race in Malaysia, Fernando Alonso won from way back in eighth," The Sun quoted Hamilton, as saying.

"So anything is possible and we should still be competitive this weekend. I have always loved working my way forward and so long as I can move forward from where I am I'll be happy," he added. (ANI)