Hamilton Inspired By Drive of Nadal Ahead of Hockenheim Test

Rafael Nadal is the unlikely inspiration for Lewis Hamilton as he strives to follow up his celebrated win at Silverstone almost two weeks ago with another victory in the German grand prix on Sunday. Hamilton followed the closing stages of the epic Wimbledon final between the champion Nadal and runner-up Roger Federer with interest. "I thought Federer would win," said Hamilton. "I was not biased but I know him, I've met him and I know what a fantastic athlete he is. But towards the end I thought that Nadal would win. He was so hungry for it. He had something new.

"Federer had shown incredible hunger of his own to go there and win it again and again but it was impossible to match what Nadal has after he had done it so many times. I can associate with that. I haven't won the formula one world championship but it's something I want to do so passionately."

The tyre-punishing Hockenheim circuit will present new problems for Hamilton this weekend. "Winning your home grand prix is something so special and I had family there who didn't know what a formula one car sounded like," he said. "I had aunts there, my mum and stepdad, granddad and grandmum, a couple of cousins. It was a great weekend, one I will never forget, and the tennis rounded it off."

McLaren have categorically denied suggestions they are lining up Nico Rosberg as a new team-mate for Hamilton next season. Willi Weber, who managed Michael Schumacher during his illustrious formula one career, yesterday stated Rosberg would leave Williams and replace Heikki Kovalainen. "He has a clause in his contract Williams can surely not fulfill," said Weber. "Rosberg will replace Heikki Kovalainen, who will change back to Renault." The clause in question relates to Rosberg apparently being free to quit if Williams fail to finish fourth or higher in this season's constructors' championship. McLaren's chief executive Martin Whitmarsh has dismissed Weber's claims. "We can confirm we have not had any contact with Nico Rosberg.

Sebastian Vettel has been confirmed as a driver for the Red Bull Racing team for next season, following David Coulthard's decision to retire at the end of this year. The 21-year-old German has long been linked with a switch from sister team Toro Rosso.