Lewis Hamilton expects very difficult British Grand Prix
However, the world champion insists he is looking forward to the last British Grand Prix to be held at the Northamptonshire circuit for the foreseeable future.
Twelve months ago Hamilton soaked up the applause as he took the chequered flag in a rain-affected race at Silverstone. It was one of five wins he managed last season en route to claiming the world title.
Hamilton said last week that McLaren should have cut their losses and scrapped this year's car entirely when they realised how bad it was.
Hamilton could only battle his way to 13th position in Turkey last weekend, and he reckons the characteristics of the Silverstone circuit, with its high-speed corners, will expose his car's flaws even more.
"We fully expect next weekend to be very difficult," he said on his official website. "Firstly, Silverstone is one of the fastest courses on the calendar and it's clear that our car doesn't behave well through fast corners.
"It's also harder to harvest KERS there than at other circuits because there's not too many heavy braking spots - to give you an idea, we don't touch the brakes from the exit of Luffield right down to Stowe - about half the circuit - and there are no slow exits followed by long straights where you can use KERS for a boost.
"It will be difficult, but I'm looking forward to just racing in my home country, in front of my home fans, enjoying Linda's home cooking and soaking it all in."
Hamilton, who has scored just nine points in seven races, says this is not the first time in his career that he is facing a difficult phase.
The world champion is adamant, however, that things will get right eventually.
"It's true that this year is my first difficult year of Formula One, but it is not the first time in my career that I've had difficult and tough years," he added.
"I've gone through difficult stages of karting and junior formulae as well, and I've also been very lucky throughout my career to have been in many top teams and driven some great cars. It is character-building, you have some good years, and you have some bad years, but as long as you learn from both the good and the bad then you come out a stronger person.
"With each day, I think I'm becoming a better person and a better driver because of it though. I've been through some fantastic times with the team and I'm sure we'll get back there soon. In the meantime, it will take discipline, determination and hard work to get back to the front.
"We might not do it this year, and we expect Silverstone to be a tough race for our car package, but it will come."
Date published : 09 Jun 200913:24:43
