Hamilton struggles in Korea

Lewis Hamilton cut a downbeat figure with his title hopes looking increasingly slim after a difficult day in Korea.

Hamilton topped the opening practice session at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, but could only manage the eighth-fastest time in the afternoon running, team-mate Jenson Button was fourth.

Hamilton’s best lap was nearly nine-tenths of a second slower than the pacesetting Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

The Mercedes-bound McLaren driver is 42 points adrift of championship leader Fernando Alonso, and 38 behind second-placed Vettel.