Monday, June 2, 2008

Hamilton eyeing Canadian repeat - NEWS

Saturday 31st May 2008

Lewis Hamilton is eagerly awaiting next week's return to Canada, where he's eyeing a repeat of last year's glory.

Hamilton, in his rookie season, clinched the Canadian GP victory after starting the race from pole position and keeping his wits about him through three Safety Car situations.

The McLaren driver is intent on putting in a repeat performance this season, which he believes is a strong possibility given the way both himself and McLaren have improved in the last 12 months.

"Last year in Canada was one of the biggest accomplishments of my life, to take my maiden pole and victory in Formula 1 was incredible, even more so as it was with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes," he said.

"It would be great to go back there and do the same, and that is what we are working hard to achieve. Since then I think I've matured a lot, I think I have grown stronger as a driver and have become closer to the team."

Hamilton's strength was on display last Sunday in Monte Carlo where the 23-year-old put in a superb drive to clinch the victory and the lead in the Drivers' Championship.

It was a dream come true for the Brit, who after six races holds a three-point advantage over Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

"As I said on Sunday, winning at Monaco is the highlight of my career, it was a very emotional victory for me as it is something I have dreamed of since I was a kid," Hamilton said.

"I will never forget the moment, but now my only focus with the team is Canada. We have good momentum right now and we are pushing to keep that going and to keep developing."

As for the next circuit, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Hamilton said: "It is renowned for its difficult track surfaces, particularly with tyre graining, and the walls.

"Despite being very fast, it can feel like a street circuit with the barriers very close, but it is good fun to drive at and I am looking forward to getting back there."

However, McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh has a few concerns heading into the race weekend as he doesn't believe the Montreal track suits the MP4-23.

But having said that even he admits the circuit still been a solid hunting ground for McLaren who have won two of the last three Canadian GPs.

"We have a car which excels in high speed corners and there aren't too many of those in Canada, however, we have a reasonably good track record at this event," Whitmarsh said.

"It is about high speed down the straights, braking stability, durability of the braking system, traction out of the corners, which are relatively short but with high speeds into them.

"All this means it is an unusual circuit that is not the easiest to forecast, but we have every reason to believe we have made improvements on the car and the whole team is looking forward to carrying our Championship campaign forward."

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