Lewis Hamilton defends Nico Rosberg pass

Lewis Hamilton has defended his decision to overtake Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix.

The British driver edged Rosberg out on the second turn of the first lap, which drew criticism from the German, but Hamilton has responded by saying that "it was my corner".

"The inside line is the inside line, so it was my corner," he told BBC Sport.

"I can imagine Nico was running out of road, but that's what happens when you're on the outside."

Hamilton went on to win in Japan to extend his lead at the top of the Driver Rankings to 48 points.