Hamilton expecting quick McLaren in Valencia

World Champion Lewis Hamilton will climb back into the cockpit of his McLaren on Friday as European Grand Prix practice signals the end of Formula One's four-week summer break of 2009. Winner of the last race in Hungary, the McLaren driver is confident that new parts can keep the McLaren at the front of the grid.

With a heavily criticised McLaren car at the beginning of the year now a race winner, Hamilton has enjoyed heading into the holiday period as a victor again. "It's great to be getting back to business after the four-week break," he said. "I'm still buzzing from the win in Hungary and I'm hopeful of being able to carry that pace into the Valencia weekend, particularly with our new upgrades to the car."

Michael Schumacher may not be present as expected previously but Hamilton is fully aware of the challenges presented at the 3.4 mile / 5.4 kilometre street circuit. "It's a very demanding circuit - the kind of place that punishes any mistakes hard," Lewis explained. "It's quite tight and relatively slow, so it should suit our package.

"It's also very difficult to overtake, as we discovered last year, but with our KERS (Kinetic Energy Recover System, yielding an extra 80 horsepower for 6.6 seconds per lap) Mercedes-Benz has proved that anything can happen and I'm once again hoping that it will provide the difference in the race."

Source: GP Update