HAMILTON KEEPS HIS COOL

By Byron Young, sundaymirror.co.uk 14/10/2007

Lewis Hamilton (PA)

EXCLUSIVE FORMULA ONE: COUNTDOWN TO BRAZIL

Lewis Hamilton has put partying on hold as he goes on a world title revenge mission.

The 22-year-old warned that Ferrari could play dirty tricks in next Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix - but he's out to conquer the world with a stylish victory.

Britain's race sensation is still fuming over Fernando Alonso's bitter behaviour.

The FIA have appointed a special steward for the showdown race to ensure fair play after the Spaniard whinged that his tyres were at the wrong temperature for qualifying and that slowed him down in China.

Hamilton has already slammed world champion Alonso (below) as "disloyal" for shopping his team in the Ferrarigate spy saga that saw McLaren-Mercedes fined £50million and effectively stripped of the constructors' title.

"It would be a phenomenal experience to go to Brazil with everything that has gone on and win the world championship there," he said.

"It would be great for the team and for me after what happened in China. After that I know what it feels like to lose it - and it is not something I want to experience again."

And he said it is a small sacrifice to cut out the late nights ahead of Sunday's crucial race in Sao Paulo.

"I am going to do everything in my power to be ready for the race," he added. "Which means complete dedication up until Sunday. That means not going out partying. It means sidetracking some of my friends to keep focused."

Hamilton said his mood will be boosted knowing he is going to the homeland of his hero Ayrton Senna and he will visit his grave at Morumbi the day after the race.

"I am not going there thinking it is Senna's home country but in hindsight I am sure it will be a great feeling," added Hamilton.

He skidded out 25 laps from title glory and now faces a three-way battle for the title in Sao Paulo.

Bitter rival Alonso trails by just four points but Kimi Raikkonen, seven points back, could be equally dangerous because he has the backing of team-mate Felipe Massa, who is out of the reckoning. Hamilton said Ferrari could order the little Brazilian to block him if they are battling for victory.

He added: "Kimi's been the one in with a chance and Felipe has not been a major threat.

He is going to be out to do his own job and if the team ask him I think he might try to get in the way.

"But I am comfortable with my pace and my ability and I have no doubt we can do a better job than them.

"Even if Kimi is in the lead and he's holding me up that's not a big problem.

"If Kimi is in the lead I only have to finish fifth. I am going out to beat them all, not just Felipe."

Hamilton is not even daunted by the fact that he faces the biggest race of his life on a circuit he has never seen.

Moreover, Interlagos is one of the toughest and bumpiest tracks in the Formula One calendar.

Hamilton added: "We've seen all through the season that I am actually quite strong on new circuits, so that's not going to be an issue.

"I am stepping up my training because the conditions in Brazil can be quite hot.

"I will look at footage of last year's race and the previous year and I'll be down in the factory with my engineer and go over the plan."

STANDINGS

1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes GB 107

2 Fernando Alonso McLaren-Mercedes Spa 103

3 Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari Fin 100

4 Felipe Massa Ferrari Brz 86

5 Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber Ger 58

6 Robert Kubica BMW Sauber Pol 35

7 Heikki Kovalainen Renault Fin 30

8 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault Ita 21

9 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota Ger 15

10 David Coulthard Red Bull-Renault GB 14