Hamilton Urge British F1 Fans To Enjoy The Weekend

Topics:  British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton

Anthony Fontanelle
July 5, 2007

Going into his home race debut, championship leader Lewis Hamilton is looking for another win. The British rookie Formula One driver though urges his countrymen to enjoy the weekend festivities surrounding the race whatever the outcome may be. Although the rookie sensation says that he is excited to win in front of his countrymen, he said that he will not go for broke.

The rookie driver for McLaren holds the distinction of being the youngest individual to secure a Formula One driving contract. He is also the first individual of African or Caribbean descent to compete in a Grand Prix. Thus he is also the first of that descent to win a Grand Prix. In his eight races so far in his Formula One career, the rookie sensation has already broken record after record. But the upcoming Grand Prix is a special one for him.

“Without a doubt, the Santander British Grand Prix will be the biggest race of the year for me, as it's my debut home race,” said Hamilton. “It is going to be another new experience, I expect the atmosphere will be incredible and I cannot wait to race in front of my home fans.”

The Briton already has two wins in his career which came at the North American leg of the Formula One calendar. He posted back-to-back wins at the Canadian and the United States Grands Prix. But at the recently concluded French Grand Prix, the rookie only finished third after Ferrari showed signs of resurgence. After Ferrari’s one-two finish at the French Grand Prix, Hamilton said that fans should be realistic in their expectations. “To win at this race would be immense, but we have to be realistic with our expectations,” he said.

“This is one race out of 17 and as with all the grand's prix, I will do my best to win for the fans, but the most important thing for them is to enjoy the whole weekend whatever the result will be,” he added further.

As for his past performance at the Silverstone Circuit, Hamilton said that he performed well in the tracks and is looking forward to the next race. “Silverstone always seems to have great races. I certainly had fun here last year as you can really push the limits,” said Hamilton.

Last year, the rookie had a taste of how British racing fans will welcome him this year. “That weekend with GP2 last year is something I will never forget; the response from the crowd was like nothing I had ever experienced before and I can't wait to get back out on track,” he said.

This Sunday, Hamilton will be driving his MP4-22 with the Mercedes-Benz sourced engine and Mercedes-Benz brake pad sensor and the works. He explained that they will be racing at a radically different track on Sunday compared to last weekend and what they need to do to the car to ensure good performance. “The Silverstone circuit is very different to Magny-Cours (where we were last weekend) due to all the high speed corners.”

“It still needs a set-up compromise to make sure we have high speed stability for first section though and grip for the latter part with the slower corners such as Priory and Brooklands. You are also under heavy loadings for much of the lap, so it is quite tough. I hope everyone enjoys the race and the team has a great result,” Hamilton concluded.

Source:  Amazines.com