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#52527
Any truth in this ?
If the latest testing is the proof he might be right.
But F1 development never stops for all the teams so it's hard to say.
I think Silverstone may answer some of those questions.

HAMILTON: WE'RE FINALLY BETTER THAN FERRARI
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/motorsports/view/42529/Hamilton-We-re-finally-better-than-Ferrari-/

LEWIS Hamilton believes McLaren finally have an edge over arch rival Ferrari heading into this weekend's Santander British Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old heads to Silverstone in fourth place in the Drivers' championship, 10 points behind leader Ferrari's Felipe Massa.
But the Stevenage-born ace, who missed out on last year's title by a single point, is convinced his McLaren-Mercedes car is now a better machine than the Ferrari.
And Hamilton - who admitted the Italian outfit had a technical edge last year - reckons the revamped car will power him to glory in the remaining 10 races of this season, starting at Silverstone this Sunday.
He told Dailystar.co.uk: "The practice has gone really well and we feel that the car is better than the Ferrari, which it was not last year.
"I've had a slower start to this season, But I am still on a learning curve, and I appreciate that I am not a complete driver yet - but everything that happens will just help me.
"Of course there is more pressure, but I see it in a positive light. The fans come to watch and if anything that makes me more relaxed, so I will try my best for them.
“You’ve just got to keep a clear head and not think of what you did yesterday - you just have to focus on the race”.
In an exclusive press briefing organised by Santander, Hamilton denied the $100 million fine that the McLaren-Mercedes-Vodafone team received last season [for being passed Ferrari technical information] had affected morale.
He added: "This is a new season and we cannot really use it as an excuse."
A relaxed Hamilton even found time to joke about his relationship with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger - whom he has been tipped to marry.

“I haven’t really thought about the future regarding marriage, future occupations or anything," he grinned.
"I don’t really get the time!"
#52542
Silverstone tests just about every aspect of a car, in my view. There are flat out sections which require good high-speed aerodynamic efficiency and other parts that require good mechanical grip. Club, Abbey, Priory and Luffield all require good mechanical grip. A good exit from Abbey, for example, is key to make an aerodynamic advantage through Bridge pay dividends. In other words, I think Ferrari are more vulnerable at Silverstone than what many people are saying, especially given the number of developments McLaren have made. I'd say McLaren could well be faster in sectors two and three. Sector one I'm not so sure about because it would require a complete inversion in the strengths of the MP4-23 given that there is nothing to do with mechanical grip in this sector.
#52544
Silverstone tests just about every aspect of a car, in my view. There are flat out sections which require good high-speed aerodynamic efficiency and other parts that require good mechanical grip. Club, Abbey, Priory and Luffield all require good mechanical grip. A good exit from Abbey, for example, is key to make an aerodynamic advantage through Bridge pay dividends. In other words, I think Ferrari are more vulnerable at Silverstone than what many people are saying, especially given the number of developments McLaren have made. I'd say McLaren could well be faster in sectors two and three. Sector one I'm not so sure about because it would require a complete inversion in the strengths of the MP4-23 given that there is nothing to do with mechanical grip in this sector.


I dno, As I've said before, Ferrari aren't going to have a clear advantage this weekend. However I do feel they still are slightly ahead of the Mclaren development "machine". Qually is going to be key.
#52547
Is he basing that entirely on the test? Big leap of faith. I'd say it could well be on par with the Ferrari now, but to go from where it was to better in one race seems far-fetched.
#52583
Is he basing that entirely on the test? Big leap of faith. I'd say it could well be on par with the Ferrari now, but to go from where it was to better in one race seems far-fetched.


its not far fetched

but i wouldnt be bullish over a test, wait and see what happens where it really matters
#52586
Is he basing that entirely on the test? Big leap of faith. I'd say it could well be on par with the Ferrari now, but to go from where it was to better in one race seems far-fetched.


He's just big mouth (as usual), but at least this might help boost team's self confidence. That aside, I've read somewhere that McLaren is hoping to improve app. 0.2 s/lap between each races, so I can't see them having such a huge improvement (like Lewis is claiming) overnight. This track might work better for McLaren this year, but claiming that same will happen in the following 10 races is hard to swallow as serious statement.

And finally, I think McLaren was more competitive compared to Ferrari last year - actually had an edge for the most of the season. I guess by selling that idea Lewis is just trying to downplay his own mistakes from 2007 and rather blame the car for not winning the title.
#52590
geee nikon you can dig any negative undertones from anything he says :rolleyes:


Sounds good to me :hehe:
#52603
Is he basing that entirely on the test? Big leap of faith. I'd say it could well be on par with the Ferrari now, but to go from where it was to better in one race seems far-fetched.


its not far fetched

but i wouldnt be bullish over a test, wait and see what happens where it really matters


©KR :tongue::hehe:
#52604
Is he basing that entirely on the test? Big leap of faith. I'd say it could well be on par with the Ferrari now, but to go from where it was to better in one race seems far-fetched.


its not far fetched

but i wouldnt be bullish over a test, wait and see what happens where it really matters


©KR :tongue::hehe:


sorry Kimi :laugh:
#52608
geee nikon you can dig any negative undertones from anything he says :rolleyes:


Sorry, bud... but believe me, I'd say the same if Heiki or Kimi or anyone else said the same.

Having mediocre performance (compared to Ferrari) in one race and claiming that 2 weeks latter your car has become so much better you are confident to dominate next 10 races is, at it's best, not something serious racer should or could say. ANY serious racer.

But when you think of it, it just had to be Lewis to say that. Figure that out.
#52610
geee nikon you can dig any negative undertones from anything he says :rolleyes:


Sorry, bud... but believe me, I'd say the same if Heiki or Kimi or anyone else said the same.

Having mediocre performance (compared to Ferrari) in one race and claiming that 2 weeks latter your car has become so much better you are confident to dominate next 10 races is, at it's best, not something serious racer should or could say. ANY serious racer.

But when you think of it, it just had to be Lewis to say that. Figure that out.


Really? Dont think he's ever said the McLaran is better than the ferrari before, in fact the opposite, he's always stated ferrari have the edge.
#52618
geee nikon you can dig any negative undertones from anything he says :rolleyes:


Sorry, bud... but believe me, I'd say the same if Heiki or Kimi or anyone else said the same.

Having mediocre performance (compared to Ferrari) in one race and claiming that 2 weeks latter your car has become so much better you are confident to dominate next 10 races is, at it's best, not something serious racer should or could say. ANY serious racer.

But when you think of it, it just had to be Lewis to say that. Figure that out.


Really? Dont think he's ever said the McLaran is better than the ferrari before, in fact the opposite, he's always stated ferrari have the edge.


You are not paying attention, racechik.

Who is talking about anything said before..? Not us.
#52619
Nikon i dont think McLaren had mediocre pace in France, the speed was masked by the penalties! even Ferrari were publicly saying this.

so to have a performance advantage after new developments are tested is not far fetched. though i agree Lewis shouldnt get big headed just yet as the only real basis for judgement will be during a race meet and not a test meet.

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