Formula One news

Hamilton not expecting Brazilian win

With fifty Grands Prix now under his belt, Lewis Hamilton will drive in Brazil without being a championship contender for the first time this year. Having lost the title by one point in 2007 and won it by the same margin last year, the McLaren driver doubts that race victory will be a realistic target in São Paulo this time around.

The 2008 season will forever be remembered for the title-deciding moment when Lewis Hamilton passed Timo Glock for the necessary fifth place at the final corner of the season. After cementing his place in sporting history last year, Lewis will experience a quieter Brazilian Grand Prix in 2009.

Car No.1 can only achieve a maximum of No.4 in 2009

"I'd still rather be fighting for the title but it's going to be nice going back to Brazil this time," Hamilton said. "It's a little bit different going back there knowing I'm not challenging for the championship because that's how it's been for the last two years."



Although Brazil will return to its now customary position at the tail-end of the calendar next year, this season is the first since 2005 in which the final chequered flag will be flown elsewhere. "I'd love to win there at some stage," Hamilton added of Interlagos. "I don't think our car will be quick enough to win there but we'll do the best job we can, keep our fingers crossed, and, who knows, maybe we'll surprise ourselves again like we did at Suzuka this weekend."

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