Briton Hamilton retires from Chinese Grand Prix

SHANGHAI, Oct 7 (Reuters) Formula One world championship leader Lewis Hamilton retired just after halfway through a wet Chinese Grand Prix today.

The 22-year-old McLaren driver, who needed to finish ahead of defending champion and team mate Fernando Alonso and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen to clinch the title, slipped into the gravel as he entered the pit lane.

Marshals tried in vain to push him clear.

REUTERS BJR BD1305