Relieved Hamilton hails Kovalainen victory

BUDAPEST: A relieved Lewis Hamilton hailed his McLaren Mercedes teammate Heikki Kovalainen on Sunday after seeing the Finn claim his maiden Formula One victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Nordic man's win secured Hamilton's position as leader in this year's drivers' world championship with an increasing advantage of five points despite picking up a puncture in a dramatic race.

Hamilton, 23, finished fifth and now leads the title race with 62 points ahead of defending champion Finn Kimi Raikkonen who, after finishing third for Ferrari, has 57. Brazilian Felipe Massa who led the race until his Ferrari's engine blew up three laps from the end is now third with 54 points.