Hamilton: Looking forward to it kicking off

Lewis Hamilton walks the circuit with reserve driver Gary Paffett and McLaren team members

Mar.11 (YF1) Lewis Hamilton was one of four World Champions at the Thursday FIA drivers press conference. We publish extracts of answers to questions directed at him.

Lewis Hamilton during photocall

What are you most looking forward to during this season?
Lewis: Just getting on the track. Testing was good fun but obviously we did not have as much testing as we have had in the past and the more time in the car the more fun we have. Just looking forward to it all kicking off and to see where everyone else sits.

Your team mate Jenson Button is the reigning World Champion. How does that change things for you? Is that extra motivation?
Lewis: I don’t think it makes a huge difference. Jenson has been welcomed into the team and he seems to be doing a great job, very productive, enthusiastic and he has really brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team. I can only see it as a positive. On my side, for me, just from coming from not so good a year last year but to finish on quite a high I feel just as determined as ever if not more.

Which of the rule changes has been the most challenging as far as you are concerned?
Lewis: Probably just being a little bit heavier. Otherwise it has been pretty straight forward. Just trying to understand the tyres a little bit and understand the approach to the long stints being a little bit different to last year on lighter fuel but otherwise it is pretty straight forward. I am sure this weekend will be a challenge for everyone but we are all in the same boat.

You finished second here in 2007, the first time you came here.
Lewis: That seems like a long time ago. We had a good car back then. The last two years things haven’t been particularly special but hopefully this weekend will be a new start for us and hopefully a positive for me and Jenson.

How do you feel about the new regulations?
Lewis: I think it’s a new challenge in the sport for all of us and the key is that we’re moving forward, so I’m excited to see how it works and I’m sure we will do everything we can, collectively, to put on a good show.

What do you think of the new points system?
It’s another challenge, it’s a small change to the results. When you win the race it should be rewarded perhaps a little bit more than the guys who come in second and third. I think it will be interesting to see how it pans out. I’ve not really thought about it too much to be honest. Print This Article