Dream start for Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a superb start to a rain-hit British Grand Prix after storming off the line from fourth place to challenge pole-sitter and McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen for the lead.

As the five red lights blinked out to signal the start, the front three drivers struggled for grip, allowing Hamilton to edge ahead into Copse before Kovalainen fought back, brushing against his team-mate to reclaim first place.

Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber, who started second, span coming onto the Hangar Straight, dropping to the tail of the field as the the rest of of the pack streamed past.

Championship leader Felipe Massa demonstrated the treacherous nature of the conditions as he span through 180 degrees on the exit of Farm, while Kazuki Nakajima also went off.

David Coulthard’s final British Grand Prix came to an end before the end of the first lap, the Scot’s Red Bull Racing car clashing with Toro Rosso’s Sebastian Vettel into Priory.