Hamilton: 'This time, I've got the car to win here'

The source of Hamilton's optimism was last week's three-day test session at Silverstone in which he beat the Ferraris of Raikkonen and championship leader Felipe Massa to the best overall time.

He said: "It was really productive test for the team, we made some really good improvements with the car.

"It would be amazing to win on Sunday. You want to win every race, but when you come to your home Grand Prix it's probably the one you want to win more than any other. It would just mean the world, not only to me but to the team, to my family and the country."

Hamilton's third win of the season, followinghis success in the opening race in Australia and a brilliant drive in Monaco, would also put him right back in contention for the title with nine Grands Prix to run.

The embarrassing crash in Canada, where he rammed Raikkonen's stationary car after failing to spot a red traffic light at the end of the pit lane, and a drive-through penalty incurred in France last week after he cut a chicane, leaves Hamilton trailing Massa by 10 points.

Those errors earned admonishment from seasoned observers who believe Hamilton's embracing of a celebrity lifestyle is exacting a toll on his driving.

But he refuses to entertain such criticism. Hamilton insisted: "They weren't my toughest Grands Prix. I've had much tougher, much harder and much more painful weekends.

"They were quite a breeze, actually. You have to take the positives from whatever weekend you have and in Montreal we were phenomenally quick and we blew everyone away in qualifying. It was just unfortunate we didn't win, but that is part of the learning curve. The last race in France we were just unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But we still had a great race."

Hamilton has received a timely vote of confidence from Ron Dennis, the McLaren chief whose gamble last year on giving the budding ace his big break in Formula One was almost rewarded with the title.

Dennis said: "It doesn't matter what age you are, you're always going to learn. Lewis is no exception. He puts a lot of effort into understanding the car better, working closer with the team, and maintaining the same balanced approach to his racing and his life.

"Inevitably, the learning curve for him is steeper now than it will be in two or three years time. But he's really risen to the challenge and he's a very completed individual and a very complete racing driver. It's a pleasure to work with him."

Hamilton did admit the steepness of that learning curve had taken him by surprise. He said: "I've been racing since I was eight but in the last year and a half I've learned probably more than I learned in the previous 10 years. That is part of growing up and being a man, taking on board responsibilities and appreciating even more the blessing that I have."

As for his regular appearances in the gossip columns, often pictured in the company of a beautiful woman, Hamilton insisted his seemingly glamorous life away from the track was no distraction.

"Everybody else sees it as being great to be a celeb," he said. "I don't personally see myself as a celeb. I'm the same guy I was when I came into Formula One, it's just I have a job now. Before, motor racing was a hobby and now I'm being paid to do my hobby, which is even better.

"Through the whole time I haven't lost focus. My mind's always been on preparing for the next race.

"I am a flat-out guy, I am enjoying myself, and I don't see any reason to slow down. I've got great support, a great team, and the family are enjoying themselves. Life couldn't be better."