LEWIS Hamilton set the pace for the McLaren Formula 1 team in first practice for the 2012 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring near Budapest.

The 27-year-old Vodafone McLaren Mercedes racer from Hertfordshire topped the FP1 timesheets in Hungary this morning (Friday).

He clocked a fastest lap of 1m 22.821s as McLaren’s F1 stars dominated the opening session.

McLaren teammate Jenson Button was second quickest on a 1m 22.922s.

Third was Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso with a 1m 23.397s.

Nico Rosberg was fourth fastest for Mercedes, with Lotus driver Romain Grosjean fifth and Michael Schumacher sixth.