Lewis Hamilton qualified on the front row of the grid for the race that will decide the destiny of the Formula One world title at Interlagos today. In searing heat, in front of a passionate Brazilian crowd, Felipe Massa took his sixth pole position of the year in the Ferrari, with Kimi Raikkonen, one of the three contenders for the title, on the second row, just ahead of Hamilton’s teammate and nearest rival, Fernando Alonso.

It was just the boost the 22-year-old needed to cast off the doubts that began to surface after his dramatic slip in the Chinese Grand Prix when, in a rain-affected race, he slid into the gravel trap in the pit lane. The pressure on the young Briton, who leads the championship by four points and is still favourite to become the first rookie champion in the 50-year history of Formula One, has become almost unbearable in the lead-up to the final race of a turbulent season.

“I’m absolutely happy with that,” said Hamilton. “It was really quite straightforward. I think that we’re sitting in a good position going into the race.” The Englishman looked thoroughly relaxed both in and out of the McLaren, driving with his usual verve on a track which he saw for the first time five days ago. “I’m buzzing, really buzzing, really excited,” added Hamilton. “It must be the food here.”

As ever, the final moments of qualifying did not pass without controversy as Hamilton emerged for his final lap just ahead of Raikkonen, who was in the middle of his quick lap. Hamilton, who pulled over to let the Ferrari driver through, was pressed hard on the matter and said he had no option but to pull out of the pits when he did.

“I honestly didn’t think Kimi was as close as he was,” said Hamilton. “When I realised he was, I pulled out of his way and let him take the corner. I didn’t think I hindered his lap, but I have apologised to him. I’m here this weekend to do a completely clean job. That’s what we’re trying to do as a team.”

To his credit, Raikkonen made nothing of the incident, though it might be critical to the outcome of his last-ditch challenge for the title. But it was Hamilton and Massa, who have started 12 times from pole this season, who had the biggest smiles on their faces and who will contest the first corner. “A day of big emotion,” said Massa. “I just hope that it will be a nice fight behind me in the race.”

Hamilton will be content to let the Brazilian through and to keep Raikkonen in his sights as well. “It would be good to beat Kimi, for sure,” said Hamilton. “But mostly I want to beat Fernando.” For all sorts of reasons. The long internal war within McLaren might have taken a decisive turn on the penultimate day of the season. Just 71 laps stand between Hamilton and his destiny this afternoon.