Lewis Hamilton yesterday received a sneak preview of the “Lewis-mania” that is certain to surround the British grand prix at Silverstone on Sunday week, when a huge crowd of 10,000 packed into the home of British motor racing to watch him set the fastest time on the final day of a three-day test programme for the event.
Hamilton, who has won two of the season’s eight grands prix, admitted that he had been amazed to see so many fans up and about already when he arrived at the Northamptonshire circuit. “Driving into Silverstone this morning felt really cool,” said the 23-year-old, eager to kick-start his championship challenge on his home track.
“This place is so super-fast, it feels amazing in a formula one car. At lunchtime there were so many people waiting outside my garage, it was insane. Whilst I couldn’t say hi to all of them, their support always gives me a special lift at this place.”
Silverstone is owned by the British Racing Drivers’ Club, whose president, Damon Hill.
He told that he is a huge fan of Hamilton and believed he was quite capable of delivering the fans the victory they crave at Silverstone. “I think Lewis is fully prepared for success and has that slightly messianic focus in his psychology which spells out the fact that motor racing is his life and what his life means,” Hill said.
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