Hamilton tells appeal court he did no wrong at Spa

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton told a Formula One appeal court yesterday that he had gained no advantage from a chicane-cutting controversy that cost him victory in this month's Belgian Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old championship leader was demoted from first to third at Spa-Francorchamps after cutting a chicane in a duel over the closing laps with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Although he gave the place back on the straight before overtaking the world champion into the next corner, stewards ruled the Briton had gained an advantage by failing to give the place back satisfactorily.

Asked whether he had done so, Hamilton told the International Automobile Federation appeal hearing: "I believe so hand on heart."

Hamilton, who will see his lead over Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa stretch from one point to seven if McLaren win their appeal, said he had no choice but to cut the chicane to avoid a crash with Finland's Raikkonen.

"When the track is damp and you are at the end of the race, the last thing you want to do is to crash with him. You do not have to take stupid risks," he said.

"When you drive the circuit, you think about staying between the two white lines. There is no if or when," he added.

Hamilton said race director Charlie Whiting had wrong-footed McLaren by suggesting at the time that the team were in the clear.

The verdict is due to be released today.