Hamilton crashes his car in Bahrain

SAHKIR, Bahrain, April 4 (UPI) -- Lewis Hamilton escaped injury Friday after a crash during a qualifying run for Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix auto race in Sahkir.

The 23-year-old native of England lost control of his McLaren Mercedes while trying to navigate a slippery portion of the Bahrain International track.

"It was a shame that I ended what had been a productive day going off the circuit and hitting the barriers at turn seven," the Formula One points leader said at news conference. "I was just pushing and sometimes these things happen. I am absolutely fine, and hopefully the damage to the car is not too bad."

Hamilton will start the race in the fourth position behind pole winner and defending champion Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen and McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen.