Hamilton’s not used to starting from that far back.

The world champion already knew he would start no higher than sixth in Sunday’s race after damage to the gearbox in his W07 meant it have to be changed before it had completed the mandatory six races.

However, his challenge for race day increased when problems with his car’s energy-recovery system meant he was unable to set a qualifying time.

“As soon as I went out (I knew there was a problem),” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.

“Of course it’s unfortunate, but these things are sent to try us and the best thing I can do is to try and learn from it.

“I’m sure the guys are just as gutted as I am but we win and we lose together, so it’s really a case of trying to figure out the issue and make sure that it doesn’t happen again to either of our cars.”

Hamilton’s attempts to win a British-record fourth world title had already begun in stuttering fashion after poor starts from pole in each of the first two races meant teammate Nico Rosberg won on both occasions.

The 31-year-old last started a race from the back of the grid in Hungary two years ago, but raced back to finish in the final podium berth.

Hamilton will need to pull out something special on Sunday.Source:AP

Asked if can repeat the result in China, Hamilton said: “You can overtake here. Tyres don’t last as well, so it’s perhaps not as simple as it was in that race. But, of course, I’ll give it everything I’ve got to try and get up. It isn’t over until it’s over.”

Rosberg is now in position to increase his 17-point championship advantage over his Mercedes teammate but Hamilton is taking heart from the pace of his W07.

“It is quick,” he said. “Hopefully they get the issue fixed and we can actually have a race tomorrow.”

Aussie Daniel Ricciardo will start from second behind Rosberg after an excellent performance saw Red Bull earn its first front row berth since Singapore last year.

Team boss Christian Horner was thrilled with the 26-year-old’s effort.

“Where on Earth did that come from? I’m quite shocked actually,” said Horner.

“To qualify on the front row here is quite an incredible performance.

“He just got quicker and quicker, and just put everything together. The wind picked up at the last part of qualifying there, and he just nailed it.”

Ricciardo admitted it was a much better result than he was expecting.

“Not sure! Second is pretty awesome, we didn’t expect this,” he said.

“I think today is encouraging. If we can have this on one lap we should be pretty good.

“Hopefully we have got a race with Ferrari. If we can battle with podium that will be awesome.”