Hamilton ready to defend his title

Lewis Hamilton, very confident in his team, is ready to defend his world crown this season.

McLaren has generally been slower than its rivals during winter testing, but the reigning world champion is confident that, thanks to the experience and skills available, significant progress can be made thereafter.

Hamilton told the newspaper The Independent: « I have complete confidence in my team in Woking, Brixworth, and Stuttgart. They are working so hard right now, putting in incredible effort, and I will do everything I can not to let them down. Heikki and I are also going to work hard to improve the car and close the gap with our competitors. We are fully committed to working with the team to develop the best possible car. »

A significant improvement in McLaren’s performance was observed on the penultimate day of the recent test week in Jerez. Kovalainen, Hamilton’s teammate since the beginning of last year, achieved the third-best time on the circuit in southern Spain since the start of winter testing.

« We have had some free time lately. No training, enjoying good food, having a good night’s sleep to prepare for the season, » added Lewis Hamilton.

« I received enormous support from journalists who wrote positive things about me, but also enormous support from my fans with fabulous letters from young people aged three and up. »

After an incredible progression in motorsport since his racing debut at the age of eight in karting, Hamilton faces a new challenge today: Defending a world title for the first time in 2009, after a tough battle to win this title in Brazil at the end of 2008.

The Australian Grand Prix takes place this Sunday at 5:00 PM local time, 8:00 AM French time.