Lewis Hamilton looks pensive as he looks forward to qualifying on Saturday with a chance to gain an advantage on rival Felipe Massa

Brazil fans turn out in force to support hometown boy Massa - not to mention Brazilian drivers Rubens Barrichello and Nelson Piquet

Brazil's Massa heads out for the final practice session on his home circuit but finishes fourth behind Hamilton

But a late charge from Fernando Alonso sees the Renault driver nick top spot from Hamilton at Sao Paulo

Despite Alonso's efforts Hamilton looks in a relaxed mood in the break between final practice and qualifying

Jenson Button endures another dismal qualifying as his Honda is rescued from the side of the track in the first session

There are no problems for Massa as he heaps the pressure on Hamilton by taking a third straight pole at Interlagos

And Hamilton is relegated to fourth as Renault's Jarno Trulli joins Massa on the front row during the last seconds of qualifying

So it is advantage Massa but even if he wins on Sunday he must hope that Hamilton finishes outside the top five

Earlier on Friday Lewis Hamilton shares a joke with his McLaren pit crew ahead of first practice at Interlagos

Hamilton gives girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls the lowdown on his car

Brazil's Felipe Massa prepares for a crucial weekend in which he must overhaul Hamilton's seven-point lead in the drivers' championship

David Coulthard enjoys the view of Sao Paulo from the track for the last time as he begins his final weekend in F1

Hamilton dons his driving gloves before posting the fastest time of practice so far with his second effort of 1:12.495

But Massa manages to eclipse the Englishman with a late flying lap in the Ferrari that shaves 0.190 seconds off Hamilton's best

Spain's Fernando Alonso keeps a low profile but roars to the top of the standings in second practice for Renault

Hamilton struggles to put together a strong lap in the second session ending ninth as rain plays its part