Hamilton 'moving' and 'looking' forward

MCLAREN

Tuesday 19th February 2008

Lewis Hamilton refused to be drawn into the row over Bernie Ecclestone's remarks that the racial abuse he suffered in Barcelona was "nothing to worry about".

The 22-year-old was taunted by a number of fans while he was testing earlier this month at the Spanish circuit prompting widespread condemnation.

The governing body, the FIA, were moved to launch their 'Racing Against Racism' campaign to ensure those scenes were not repeated.

Formula One chief Ecclestone's insistence the abuse was "a one-off...nothing to worry about" provoked criticism from anti-racism groups and the FIA themselves, who insisted they would carry out their review.

However, Hamilton refused to get drawn into the row at the Laureus World Sports Awards in St Petersburg where the pair warmly greeted each other as Hamilton received his Newcomer of the Year award.

Instead, the Hertfordshire-born driver insisted he wanted to concentrate on the opening race of the Formula One season in Melbourne on March 16.

Hamilton said: "It's not really something I want to comment on.

"I've moved forward and I'm looking forward to the first race.

"Honestly, I can't wait to get back out there.

"The first grand prix - the car is feeling good, the team feels good and I feel good and that's all that matters."

Hamilton was pipped to the Drivers' Championship by just one point by Kimi Raikonnen in the final race of last season.

However, rather than seeing that as a setback the young Briton though has set out his ambition for the season culminating in going one better and becoming World Champion.

"My goals would be winning more races, finishing more races - last year we were very, very close to finishing every race so we have to try and improve that, more pole positions, fastest laps and then the main goal is to win the World Championship," he continued.

"It's going to be a tough season again and by no means will it be easy so we are working as hard as we can.

"But I feel even more confident than last year, even more determined because I know what to expect, I know how to manage my time better, I know how to train better and how to drive better so I feel very optimistic."

Neither is he considering succumbing to second-season blues, saying: "I still plan to take everyone by surprise personally. For sure coming into this season everyone knows what I can do but I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

"The preparations are going really well, for me it was really interesting to see the car I've been driving for a whole year evolve into something new.

"It's the same beast but just slightly better but it's a little more elegant and handles a little bit differently."

Hamilton also refused to compare himself to former Champion Michael Schumacher.

"For me just growing up Michael Schumacher was one of the big sporting heroes and one of the best drivers to come in to Formula One so for me he is not someone you can be compared to.

"So for me to be mentioned in the same sentence is a huge honour and I don't particularly compare myself to him.

"It would be great if he was still here because I'd love to see how I went up against him."

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