Fuller joins his charge for only the second time this season
Last Updated: October 26, 2011 4:16pm
Hamilton: Has had a turbulent season
Lewis Hamilton will have manager Simon Fuller by his side for only the second time this season at the Indian Grand Prix this weekend.
Regardless of the controversies surrounding Hamilton this year - which have centred on the spate of collisions he has been involved in - Fuller has long been scheduled to attend.
The timing of the former pop svengali's visit could not be more appropriate, however, in light of gossip which suggests the 2008 world champion has split from girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger.
That might explain Hamilton's demeanour in Korea just under a fortnight ago, when even his first pole position in over a year and a second-place finish in the race could barely bring a smile to his lips.
When pressed, Hamilton insisted he was happy, however his mood suggested otherwise, with the truth now apparently revealed.
Fuller, the man behind XIX Entertainment which also looks after the affairs of David Beckham and Andy Murray, will at least be in the right place this weekend to offer his full support.
Just a month ago Fuller was criticised by Hamilton's father Anthony for failing to adequately support his son in what has been a turbulent season.
That is despite the fact XIX have at least had a representative on hand at many of the races, otherwise Hamilton has preferred his own company.
Hamilton spent a couple of days with his family prior to flying out to Delhi as F1 hits the sub-continent for the first time in its history.
Crazy
A demonstration run at the end of last month blew Hamilton away, and gave him an insight as to what to expect this weekend.
"The last time I was there it was just crazy," said Hamilton.
"We did a demo run in Bangalore and were expecting 5,000 people to turn up. On the day, there were around 40,000 fans - it was just incredible.
"You can't believe how many people are aware of Formula One and how many are looking forward to the race.
"There's already a great deal of knowledge about the sport. I think it's going to be a big deal.
"Of course, India is mostly a sport-mad nation. It's about cricket, which is understandable because they're a very successful cricketing country.
"But I really think the people of India are going to take Formula One to their hearts."
Hamilton admits it's "too early to say" whether he can build on his return to form in Korea, however he is convinced he and McLaren can at least be competitive in the final three races.
"We were quick at Singapore, Japan and Korea, and I think the pattern at the front has sort of settled down now as we reach the end of the season," said Hamilton.
"I think we have a car that can be quick anywhere, so I'd like to think we'd be in the hunt again next weekend."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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