McLaren driver expects to be competitive in Singapore
Last Updated: September 22, 2011 9:08am
Hamilton: trails Vettel by 126 points in title race
Lewis Hamilton says he will be going all out for victory in Singapore, even though Sebastian Vettel has all-but sealed the title.
McLaren's Hamilton is now 126 points adrift of the Red Bull driver with only another 150 points on offer from the six remaining races.
"I'll really be pushing for a good result this weekend," said Hamilton.
"We had a car capable of winning in both Belgium and Italy, so I really want to make sure we arrive in Singapore with a good set-up, and we're able to run with it through practice and qualifying.
"If it all goes to plan, we should be in good shape on Sunday, and even though the title is now almost out of reach I'll be pushing hard for the best possible result.
"I will never give up, and I'll be driving to win as always."
Mixed
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is another venue where Hamilton has known no middle ground as he finished third in 2008, won in 2009, and then crashed out last year after a collision with Webber.
The bumpy, twisty nature of the track means it is unforgiving on both the car and driver, and like Monaco, precision is vital.
It is also the most demanding, physically and mentally, with each of the three races to date finishing close to the allowed two-hour maximum.
Run in energy-sapping temperatures and with humidity of 80 per cent, Button feels it is time the FIA shortened the race to assist the drivers.
At present, all races are 300km plus one lap, with the exception of Monaco whose 78 laps cover 260km.
Button feels Singapore should follow suit, adding: "It's a very tough race because it's long, the longest on the calendar, normally about two hours.
"Mentally it's very tiring because it's low speed, like Monaco in a way with the barriers so close to the circuit, very bumpy, dark, so it's very demanding for the drivers.
"We find it very, very tough, and after the race you are shattered, in pieces.
"It's one of the races we actually think is a little too long, that they need to maybe shorten.
"We do as much as we can physically, but you can't train for the bumpiness of the circuit, so it's tough for us."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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