Hamilton or the Return of the Hero 2008 at the Wheel of an F1

Lewis Hamilton is satisfied with his first test day in 2009 at the wheel of the new McLaren MP4/24. The Briton was back on the track for the first time since he won the World Drivers’ Championship last November.

He took the place of test driver Pedro de la Rosa in Portimao yesterday, completing 81 laps in the new car. He briefly stopped on track when the engine cut out in the morning.

« I am happy to be back with the team because it is easy to fall into a routine, » said Hamilton.

« It’s incredible to think that I hadn’t driven a Formula 1 car since the Brazilian Grand Prix, two months ago. In any case, all the sensations come back very quickly. »

He clocked the third-fastest time yesterday among five drivers, but downplayed the significance of these results.

« These initial tests were aimed at getting me used to the new car and the new regulations. I then had to give my general feedback to the engineers, » continued the world champion.

« I am happy to announce that the car is performing well. We have made great progress over the winter. I am eager to develop the car before the Australian Grand Prix. »

He now anticipates an intense testing program over the coming weeks.

« I will be very busy during the winter. I’ve only done one test day and our schedule for the coming weeks is already huge. »

With the mileage limitations over a season, the next two months are expected to be intense and absolutely essential for each team.

Today in Portugal for the last day of testing, Hamilton gave up his seat to his teammate Heikki Kovalainen so that he could also experience the new MP4/24.