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Lewis Hamilton falls in love with F1 racing again

Sunbathers relax on a roof as McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain drives during the second free practice session ahead of the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at the Monaco racetrack on Thursday. PHOTO: AP

Monaco worked its magic on Lewis Hamilton on Thursday, with the world champion declaring himself back in love with Formula One after a troubled start to the season.

“I’ve really enjoyed today,” the McLaren driver told reporters after clocking the second-fastest time of the day in two practice sessions for tomorrow’s race around the Mediterranean principality.

“It has reminded me of how much I love the sport, how much I love the driving. It’s really driving, kind of back-to-your roots street racing. It’s fantastic,” the 24-year-old Briton said.

Hamilton, Formula One’s youngest world champion, has suffered a tortured start to his title defense with his performances in an under-performing car overshadowed by a lying controversy.

The Briton has had a tense relationship with his national media since he and the team were excluded from the season-opener in Australia for deliberately misleading race stewards.

After making a painful and high-profile public apology at the second race in Malaysia, he has come across at times as terse and distant while his points tally from five races stands at just nine. Championship-leading compatriot Jenson Button has 41 for Brawn GP.

“I’ve really enjoyed today. It has reminded me of how much I love the sport, how much I love the driving. It’s really driving, kind of back-to-your roots street racing.” — Lewis Hamilton, Formula One’s youngest world champion

The clouds appeared to have lifted on Thursday, however, with Hamilton reveling in the return to his favorite circuit, where he won last year and finished second in his stunning 2007 rookie season.

“It feels fantastic to be here. I get a huge buzz here, the circuit is fantastic, so I am really enjoying myself,” he said. “It’s definitely exciting to be back again. We didn’t really know what to expect, but after this morning and afternoon we genuinely do have quite good pace.”

Monaco, with its blind corners and tight racing line threading between the unforgiving metal barriers, is the slowest circuit on the calendar but one where the driver can make all the difference.

“It gives me a much better fighting chance, and a much better feeling, to be able go out there and to see if I can do better than others and get more out of my car,” Hamilton said. “I think everyone is beatable. Anyone can do a quick lap over one single lap, but it’s how you do it over a period of time. We definitely look much more competitive this weekend.”



■ECCLESTONE BACKS FIA

AP, MONACO

Bernie Ecclestone is siding with governing body FIA in the push to introduce a Formula One budget cap next year.

Ecclestone, who owns F1’s commercial rights, said on Thursday that he does not expect the two sides to reach a settlement.

“Formula One will continue no matter what, we have contracts worldwide with TV and promoters, so we will continue like that,” Ecclestone said.

Ferrari, Renault, Toyota, Red Bull and Toro Rosso have threatened to pull out of F1 unless FIA president Max Mosley withdraws plans for a voluntary US$60 million budget cap.

Several drivers, including two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, have sided with the Italian team, saying the system will create a two-tier competition because those signing up to the cap will be given greater technical freedom.

Ecclestone wasn’t swayed.

“I’m happy where I am,” he said. “I’ve got my little bus here so I’m happy. We’ll be [in Monaco next year].”

Teams have until Friday next week to enter next season’s championship when 26 cars will fill the starting grid.

Lola, USF1, Wirth Research, RML, Formtech, iSport, Campos Racing, Epsilon Euskadi and Litespeed are lined up to get into the competition.

“You know Max doesn’t feel any pressure,” said Ecclestone, who added that he would prefer for Ferrari to stay in F1 since — alongside the F1 name — it is one of the most important things in the sport.
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