I've learned from mistakes of last year, says Lewis

"I dealt with it the best way I could, and it wasn't the best. But I've learned from those mistakes. I have taken a big step in my personal life and matured as a driver.

"Just as a driver, I feel a lot stronger than I did last year in terms of my state of mind and my fitness. Last year, by this time, I was so exhausted because it was such a crazy season. And last year I felt a bit nervous. But I don't feel it this time."

Hamilton's more considered approach to racing was demonstrated during the Singapore Grand Prix a fortnight ago when he throttled back behind David Coulthard rather than risk a high points-scoring finish with a desperate attempt to overtake.

He said: "Last year, we went into each race trying to win it and not really focusing on the championship. This year we are focused on the championship, and the importance of finishing races and scoring points for the team."

Hamilton eventually took third in Singapore after Massa was robbed of his sixth win of the season by a pit lane blunder which saw the Brazilian drive off with the fuel hose still attached to his car.

But Massa is convinced Ferrari can recover from that humiliation. He said: "This season we have shown good mental strength after bad performances, and there's still 30 points to fight for.

"We will definitely not give up. We will fight until the last lap of the last race. That's all I have on my mind now."

Massa is fired by the prospect of emulating his hero, the late Ayrton Senna, by claiming the championship in front of his own fans in Sao Paulo on 2 November. The 27-year-old said: "If we put everything together and make it, it would be more than a dream come true.

"It would be something really indescribable for a Brazilian driver, with Brazil being a great country for motor sports. We had Senna, who was one of the most incredible drivers ever, and for the championship to return to us would be great for my country."

Meanwhile, Jonathan Legard is set to become the new voice of Formula One when the sport returns to BBC television after a 12-year absence next year.

Confirmation is expected within the next week that Legard, BBC Radio Five Live's football correspondent, has secured one of the most prized commentary roles on the box.

He will head a team that will feature Coulthard as expert pundit, the experienced Red Bull driver moving out of the cockpit and into a seat in front of the cameras when he retires at the end of the season.

The only member of the ITV crew to be taken on by the BBC will be Coulthard's manager Martin Brundle, who has become a cult hero for his frantic interviews on the starting grid before each race.

Lee McKenzie, Sky Sport's award-winning presenter, will replace Louise Goodman as pit lane reporter and Jake Humphrey is set to become F1 news reporter.