Hamilton happy at home

British driver hoping to bounce back into title picture at Silverstone

Last updated: 2nd July 2008

Hamilton happy at home

Hamilton: Home hope

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Lewis Hamilton will be looking for the comforts of home at the British Grand Prix to spark his World Championship challenge back into life.

12 months ago Hamilton was enjoying a record-breaking rookie season and headed to Silverstone with a 14-point lead in the drivers' standings.

This time around Hamilton is looking more ragged with no points in his last two races and with mistakes creeping into his driving.

A big error in Canada led to a grid penalty in France, while off the track a recent outburst at the media signalled that maybe the high-pressure environment was finally getting to the normally ice-cool 23-year-old.

Now living out of the spotlight in Geneva, Hamilton is looking for home to help his kick-started his campaign - and hopes both a huge British following a Silverstone and a few home comforts will help him.

"To get the job done this year would be great," said Hamilton.

Support

"There's a certain feeling you have at your home race, knowing the support from your home crowd is bigger than at any other track you go to, and that's when you feel home.

"The support is amazing. Last year I would say a good 60 or 70% of the people were there to support us - a British team and a British driver.

"And as it's the British Grand Prix, I can also go home and enjoy some home cooking, and that always helps."

Hamilton grabbed a glorious pole position last year before finishing third, and he would love to go two places better this time around.

Ferrari will again prove a huge danger after their domination in France, but Hamilton has the extra incentive that only driving at his home Grand Prix can provide.

"When it comes to the races you want to win, there is always the first of the season, there is always Monaco, and there is always your home Grand Prix.

"Monaco and your home Grand Prix are particularly special, but then I want to win every race.

"To win your home Grand Prix, though, is every driver's dream, and I have no worries for the next race.

"At least we won't be on the back foot at the start of the weekend (referring to his grid penalty in France), and as I've said, I'm at my home Grand Prix with all my family."

Power

Hamilton believes he has the car to challenge Ferrari at Silverstone, and hopes his McLaren will have enough to keep him in contention.

"I know we'll have a strong car there and we were quick there last year," Hamilton added.

"So going into it I have maximum confidence in the team and myself, and I feel we will be able to attack the weekend.

"At the end of the day we've a strong team, a great car," insisted Hamilton.

"We are the only ones that can really challenge Ferrari regularly in terms of straight-line pace, and that's a great thing.

"We've been a little bit unfortunate in some races this year, but everyone will have their turn, and I truly feel that.

"There is still a long, long way to go, and I have absolutely no doubt we will keep getting stronger and stronger.

"As long as we keep our heads up, keep pushing, keep working, it will happen."