Lewis predicts tricky race

McLaren man "felt at home" during qualifying

Last updated: 7th June 2008

lewis hamilton mclaren 7/6/2008

Hamilton: fantastic Saturday

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Despite dominating qualifying Lewis Hamilton reckons Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix will not be an easy race to win.

The World Championship leader was quickest in all three qualifying segments on Saturday afternoon, eventually finishing up with a 0.612s advantage over second-placed Robert Kubica.

It was an impressive display from the McLaren driver, made even more so by the fact that he was the only driver to record a time below the one minute 17 seconds bracket with a heavy fuel load.

But despite his apparent advantage over the chasing pack, Hamilton has downplayed any suggestions that Sunday's race could be an easy win.

"As you have seen the last few races have been difficult, with the experience of leading the race so we can anticipate it will be similar," said Hamilton, who scored his first F1 pole at the track 12 months ago.

Referring to the problems encountered during qualifying on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, he continued: "The track surface isn't great so it will make it tricky and I am sure these guys will push us hard.

"We will try and do the best job we can and score as many points as possible. We have to make sure we are in the points."

"Fantastic Saturday"

As for his qualifying performance, Hamilton said: "It has been a fantastic Saturday for me.

"I felt comfortable since yesterday in the car. This morning was tricky for everyone, with the track quite slippery. We remained positive and kept car the same.

"In qualifying I felt at home. The team did a great job in the early stages of each qualifying session.

"The first lap was a shocker as I nearly went wide at turn one, the last one was good - similar to last year."