Hamilton: With Räikkönen, the battle will be intense!

Lewis Hamilton admitted that Kimi Räikkönen will be his main competitor in the battle for the world championship in 2008.

The British driver believes that even if the reigning world champion was impressive during his winter testing, he thinks McLaren will provide him with a car capable of challenging for the final victory.

« With the package we have, I strongly doubt that Kimi will be far ahead even if Ferrari has a very good car, » stated Hamilton to the British media during a press conference at the McLaren factory.

« The Scuderia was very fast in Bahrain, but we don’t know what they were doing there. This year, I think the gap between our two teams is much narrower. »

Hamilton revealed that losing the title in Brazil last year was, in a sense, a twist of fate while adding that this experience has strengthened his determination.

I learned not to let pressure get to you on the spot. This was one of my strong points last year.

« It will be slightly different in 2008. I know what awaits me this season, so I will be better in qualifying and racing. »

He added: « The last two races have been tough. I was in China as motivated as in Japan, I had the same level of confidence, but there are ‘off’ days. »

« For someone who works their whole life to win the F1 World Championship and loses it when it was within reach, it’s hard to take, » concluded Hamilton.