Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Hamilton buoyant after topping practice

Lewis Hamilton says he is encouraged by how quickly he managed to get up to speed in Monaco after topping practice on Thursday.

The defending world champion was quickest in both FP1 and FP2, holding an advantage of three quarters of a second over team-mate Nico Rosberg before rain interrupted the afternoon session. Having dominated Thursday's running, Hamilton says he feels in a good place ahead of Saturday's qualifying.

"Here is really about getting on the pace as quick as you can, and you’re always finding time, every lap you get, then being very specific with the changes you make," Hamilton said. "You don’t make too many, unless you’re unlucky and the car balance is quite far off, but generally now with car simulations it’s not really the case.

"Sometimes it does happen but today the balance was not far off so we’ve just been tweaking it here and there trying to gain a bit of performance and learn the limitations. The first session was really good and then this one was really good as well so I’m generally happy with the balance. There’s still things I can improve on balance-wise but also on the track so that’s what I’ll work towards."

And Hamilton admits his new three-year contract is playing a part in his confident mood.

"I have a great feeling. I’m grateful I’m here, I’m grateful I’ve got this amazing car, I’m grateful in this team, I’m grateful I’m one of the few [F1] drivers here. I’m just doing everything I can to try and win this race."

Click here for a look at the technical updates brought by all the teams at the start of the European season

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.