Motor Racing: Hamilton Talks Up Mclaren Hopes

Lewis Hamilton predicted yesterday that the 2007 formula one world championship will unfold into a two-horse race between Ferrari and the McLaren-Mercedes squad for whom he will make his grand prix debut in Australia on March 18.

Speaking in Bahrain where he has been participating in the final pre-season tests, the 22-year-old British driver said he believes that the gap between the rival teams is narrower than insiders might think, even though the Ferrari F2007 seems to be slightly quicker than the McLaren MP4-21s driven by himself and double world champion Fernando Alonso.

"At some tests we are on top [but] here Ferrari has been very strong," said Hamilton. "I think they have a different programme to us. We do not know what fuel load they are running so it is difficult to say who is quickest, but I think Ferrari and McLaren are the two main competitors for the title."

The cautious approach of McLaren's team principal, Ron Dennis, appeared to have rubbed off on Hamilton as he played down suggestions that he could become only the second driver in formula one history to win on his debut. "It is difficult to say how difficult it would be to win a race," Hamilton said. "Testing is one thing and racing is completely different. Until we get to the first race I do not know what to expect. I will try to do the best job I can, try to score some points with them. That would be amazing."

Hamilton finished the day second fastest behind Felipe Massa's Ferrari, but ahead of the other Italian car driven by Kimi Raikkonen.