'McLaren stronger than Ferrari'
2008-09-04 19:15
Gordon Howard
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium - Championship leader Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday his McLaren team had the upper hand on rivals Ferrari, but that he would not be taking his foot off the gas in the title race.
The 23-year-old Briton, leading the title race with 70 points, ahead of Felipe Massa of Ferrari on 64, made his views clear on the eve of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.
"On the tracks with long straights, they have a slight advantage, but I think it will balance out for us. Here they will be strong like they were last year," he said.
"But we have made a step forward with our car and we should be able to challenge them. Last year, we weren't in a position to do so.
"In Monza, I think they will probably be a lot quicker than they were last year, but I still feel we will have the upper hand.
"For Singapore, they will be very quick like they were in Valencia, so maybe they will have the upper hand there. We will wait and see. While in Fuji and Shanghai, we were very strong there."
He added: "I honestly feel we've the better package for the remaining races. They are going to be able to challenge us, but I feel we have the upper hand."
Struggling to match the Brazilian's pace
Hamilton, winner of four races so far this season, was outpaced by Massa in the last two outings, but believes he can bounce back to winning form.
Ferrari were untouchable in last year's race at Spa, where Finn Kimi Raikkonen led Massa to a Ferrari one-two finish.
This year Massa appears to be in better form than his team-mate, who has been struggling to match the Brazilian's pace in recent races.
Raikkonen is 13 points behind Hamilton in the standings, but Hamilton warned that he is still a threat.
"There are six races remaining and still a lot of points available, so I don't think it's over for Kimi. For sure he has his work cut out to catch us up, and for sure Felipe is the closest target for me at the moment."
But Hamilton has vowed not to relax, despite his advantage in the drivers' championship and is aware that he has to continue pushing if he is to beat his rivals.
"I wouldn't say I'm in a comfortable position. You should never feel that because if you do then it's over," Hamilton said.
"I'm still attacking and I'm still driving for the last race and the end result, not focusing on just winning this race. I'm focusing on making sure I have more points than anyone else at the end of the season.
"I hope they both compete with each other and take points from each other. That would be great. I hope we as a team, with Heikki, continue to score good points. It would be great for our team.
He added: "I hope we are able to challenge them, not only in the drivers' championship, but also the constructors'. We do have a package to be able to do that."
- SAPA