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F1: Hamilton Optimistic for German GP
Written by: Adam Cooper
RACER Magazine   http://www.racer.com/speedtv
07/18/2008 - 11:28 AM
Hockenheim, Germany
 
Hamilton held a big advantage in Friday practice. (Bertrand Guay/Getty Images) ยป More Photos

Lewis Hamilton is in confident mood at Hockenheim after topping the times on Friday afternoon.

The McLaren man was nearly 0.7sec ahead of nearest rival, Felipe Massa, but the consensus was that he was running lighter than most.

The morning session was damp, and Hamilton is not worried about the rain returning over the course of the weekend.

“Today’s been quite a good day, for sure,” said Lewis. “It was a bit wet in the morning, but it’s been a very productive day for us as a team. It was a very strong performance from us, it just shows we really are competitive, and we didn’t have any problems. So a pretty trouble-free day and very productive.

“Tomorrow I don’t think there will be a gap of seven-tenths. Tomorrow will be very close, within a couple of tenths of each other I’m sure, during qualifying.”

Hamilton says the car feels as competitive as it did in Silverstone, where his teammate Heikki Kovalainen was on pole.

“We really haven’t changed much from the last race, we have the same or a very similar performance to Silverstone, especially in the dry. But the weather looks like it might rain, so who knows?

“I feel confident. I think we have a strong package, and tomorrow it will be very close, I think. Ferrari are very,
very quick as well. It’s going to be close up front, but I feel strong I feel we can definitely challenge for the front row.

“We’ve made some good steps with the car, I think we just need to keep on pushing, and don’t forget there’s a long way to go.”

Hamilton says he feels much better prepared for a title fight than he did at this stage last year.

“Much, much better than last year for sure. I feel a lot more positive and confident as a driver compared to last year.

“For sure I’m more relaxed here. It’s our ‘second home’ grand prix, and I think the car feels good and I feel comfortable, so I’m more relaxed. This is just as important as every single race, I don’t think it’s any less important than any other race we have coming up. Of the next nine races, in every single one it’s going to be important to score points.”

Nevertheless, he’s not about to embark on a percentage drive: “I want to win. I do what I do to win. I don’t drive to finish third or second. Everyone knows that about me.”

Download the Hockenheim Wallpaper


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