Hamilton sees Vettel as a serious opponent for 2009

The reigning world champion announced the arrival of a new rival for the 2009 season.

During a visit to the German capital, Lewis Hamilton confessed to the Sunday newspaper Bild am Sonntag that he considered Sebastian Vettel a serious contender for the championship.

The Red Bull driver performed very well in the preseason tests. Last week in Jerez, the German was even the fastest over the five days of testing, albeit with a low fuel level. His lap time was impressive, the only other driver who came close was still more than eight-tenths behind. That was Fernando Alonso on the fourth day.

« Sebastian is on track to becoming a star, » said the 23-year-old Briton.

« He proved last year by winning the Monza race that he was a great driver. This year, he might do the same thing. In any case, I expect him to do it, » he added.