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Lewis Hamilton appealed to officials to clean the Austin track so the USA Grand Prix is a fair fight.

He wants all 24 drivers to have an equal chance as they fire off the start grid for the penultimate round of the world championship.

Pole is on the well-used racing line while half the grid will be starting on the dusty gripless and rarely used left hand side.

That means everyone from Hamilton back in the even number grid slots will have a disadvantage.

“I am not concerned about the first corner more concerned about the slippery side of the grid,” said Hamilton.

“It’s one of the dirtiest parts of the track because no-one ever drives on there.

“I hope the FIA clean the circuit, particularly on the inside, so the guys on inside have the chance of keeping position as least.

(Image: Getty)

“The first few may get the better of me, in fact everyone on the right hand side.”

Formula One’s attempt to put down permanent roots in Texas appeared to be an unqualified success ahead of the Grand Prix.

Over 65,000 packed the track for Friday practice and the event was a near sell-out for qualifying as well.

But the longevity will depend on the feast that the race itself delivers on race day.

After winning the last race in America five years ago in 2007 Hamilton is desperate to stamp his name in the record books again.

“Seb had a lot of wins on all new circuits recently so I hope that I can at least get one,” he added.