F1: Hamilton plays it cool

Aug 4 2007 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

LEWIS HAMILTON shrugged off his latest spin into the gravel.

McLaren star Hamilton was involved in a 170mph smash in qualifying at the European Grand Prix at the Nurburging 13 days ago.

The 22-year-old Briton escaped uninjured and was declared fit to race, only to slide off in horrendous wet conditions at the start.

On that occasion he was given a helping hand as he kept his engine running and was lifted back onto the circuit by a crane.

However, Hamilton could only finish ninth, ending his remarkable run of nine successive podiums to start his rookie season.

This time around, Hamilton stalled after spinning into the gravel with five minutes remaining of the second 90-minute practice session ahead of tomorrow’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Although a crane again came to his aid, he could only help as his car was lifted off the circuit.

Hamilton, though, was not too concerned as he said, “Everything went smoothly apart from my spin which meant I missed out on my last run, so maybe I could have gone faster.

“It happened as I was catching Sakon Yamamoto (in his Spyker) on a flying lap and I was probably a little too fast going into the corner.

“Despite that, we were able to make some positive steps, and I am confident with our performance so far at this track.”

Hamilton was still third fastest behind team-mate Fernando Alonso, much to the delight of boss Ron Dennis.

“An encouraging start to the weekend, with both cars looking competitive,” said Dennis.

“Obviously, we will work hard for further improvements, but we are comfortable with the progress we have made so far.

“Unfortunately, Lewis spun, but this did not hamper our programme.”

Meanwhile, fellow Brit Jenson Button is hoping that as far as Honda have fallen in just 12 months, he will be back on top of the world again in a year’s time.

On August 6 last year, Button was the happiest man in motorsport, winning a grand prix at the 113th attempt to bring to a halt the endless questions as to when he would finally emerge victorious.

The long-overdue triumph in unusually rainy conditions in Hungary appeared to be a turning point as Button finished the closing six races of the season as the highest points scorer.

August 6 this year – the day after tomorrow’s race – is likely to see Button reflecting on another disappointment as has been the case all season long in a Honda that has mostly been horrendous.

The 27-year-old has taken one point this year, albeit from a sterling drive in finishing eighth at the French Grand Prix on July 1.

Button recently conceded it was a performance akin to his victory at the Hungaroring, where only rain again can aid his chances.

Sunny skies, though, are forecast, leaving Button to look ahead a year in the hope the tables will have turned back in his favour.

“It was a fantastic weekend last year,” reminisced Button.

“It was tough on Saturday because I suffered an engine failure which led to me going back 10 places on the grid.

“I went in to see the guys after that saying, ‘We’ve got to sort this out’, and then the next day I went out and won.

“So the Saturday and Sunday were two very different days, but it was something I and the team will never forget. It was a very emotional day for everyone.

“There have been other races and other parts of races that have been highlights as well, but winning has to be the highlight.

“But looking back, it’s not hard to believe how times have changed since then because I know it can easily go the other way as well.

“This time last year McLaren weren’t that special, but now they are competitive, while the Ferraris were very poor here in the wet.

“So it changes from year to year. It’s just that this year we have gone backwards instead of forwards.”