Hamilton looks to consolidate in Valencia
by Jack Lamure on Jun 21st, 2011Lewis Hamilton says he will be looking to get his season back on track in Valencia this weekend after a two disappointing races in succession.
Hamilton endured a fraught run to sixth in Monaco before registering a DNF in Canada after a collision with team-mate Jenson Button, who went on to win the race in style. This has seen Lewis drop to fourth in the drivers' standings, 16 points shy of his fellow McLaren man and a whopping 76 behind leader Sebastian Vettel.
Now Hamilton is looking to get solid points on the board in Valencia, a circuit he's finished second at on all three ocassions that it has hosted the European Grand Prix.
“For me, Valencia will be a weekend of consolidation after two disappointing results in Monaco and Canada," said the 2008 world champion. "Those two races were particularly frustrating for me because we showed we had the pace to win both of them, yet I only came away with eight points.
“I’ve always gone well at Valencia, finishing second there in every race, and I really enjoy attacking the track. It’s a difficult circuit with no let-up, but that won’t deter me as I’m really keen to get back on track and get back in the points. This race will be our third street circuit in a row, so hopefully it’ll give me the chance to reverse the bad luck I’ve encountered in the previous two!"
Hamilton also praised team-mate Button's Canadian performance, adding that it gives him hope of a strong weekend in Spain.
“I’m really pleased that Jenson drove a brilliant race to win in Canada; after his bad luck in Monte-Carlo, he more than deserved this result. It’s a great result for the team, too.
“We’ve arguably had the fastest race car in the last three races, and that’s really encouraging because I know that, when it’s put to best use, I should be able to finish at the front. As always, that will be my goal next weekend.”
