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Lewis Hamilton targets a British one-two at Silverstone

Page last updated at 21:42 GMT, Tuesday, 28 June 2011 22:42 UK

Hamilton in positive mood ahead of British Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton says he is determined to repay fans with a British one-two at Silverstone next month.

The 26-year-old goes into the British Grand Prix 89 points behind championship leader Sebastian Vettel, with McLaren team-mate Jenson Button 77 points adrift of the Red Bull driver.

Hamilton said: "I know what we are up against, but nothing is impossible.

"What we really want is a one-two - think what that would do for British sport and the fans."

And he added: "It would feel massively special to us. Hopefully one day there will be a younger version of me at Silverstone looking up at a photo of myself and Jenson on the podium."

Hamilton finished fourth in the European Grand Prix at the weekend to leave him behind Vettel, Button and Mark Webber in the championship standings.

But he is yet to give up hope of McLaren challenging for the title.

Button aiming to put on a good show

Hamilton said: "It's never over until it's over. We're only coming up to halfway [in the calendar], and if we were to win all the other grands prix then we can still win the championship. There's still a big gap but nothing is impossible."

Button, 31, has never made the podium in 11 attempts at Silverstone, but is hoping that will change on 10 July.

"You always want to do well in front of your home crowd," he said. "Last year was just a sea of rocket red [McLaren] caps everywhere, and it was quite emotional.

"It was great to see the support, and you always want to put on a good show for your own fans.

"Hopefully this year I can get a podium finish."

Button finished sixth in Valencia but believes subsequent improvements to his car can keep his title hopes alive.

The 2009 champion said: "We're still going to be trying. We have a fantastic team and if we keep pushing hard, we can slowly, slowly pull Vettel back.

"The only people to beat him this season are Lewis and myself. We are the challengers."

Credit: BBC (www.bbc.co.uk)