By Sam Cooper
March 7 2008

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton is feeling confident ahead the new formula one season, which starts at the Australian grand prix next weekend, even though McLaren has a slower car than their main competitors Ferrari. Hamilton will also face stiff competition from his new team-mate, Heikki Kovalainen.

Hamilton made a strong start to his championship challenge by finishing in 3rd place in last years race. Given that Hamilton is now vastly more experienced than he was last year, McLaren have a strong chance of winning the drivers and constructors championships this year. 

"Obviously the targets for the team and for myself are to win as many races as possible, improve on my performance from last year, finish all the races and for the team it is to win the Constructors' Championship as well," Hamilton said. "My motivation is even higher than last year, but in a slightly different way. I would say last year was an uncontrollable determination and excitement and just not really knowing what was coming up, just going into the deep blue. Now I know what to expect, I know about my preparations so I am storing energy. To some people it might appear that I am quieter or something along those lines, but I am saving all this energy for the first race, and I cannot wait to get out there."

Heading to Australia, Hamilton's expectation is clear, "We need to go there with total confidence in the car, which I have and to get off to a really good start, it needs to be the best start possible. So I am going there with the aim of winning the race, and we will all work hard to try and achieve that."