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Hamilton: We won’t be distracted

Lewis Hamilton is confident that despite not knowing whether their 2008 challenger will be declared legal or not by the FIA, his team will not lose their focus.

McLaren were hoping to be given the all-clear on their MP4-23 last week, however the World Motor Sport Council decided to delay their decision until early February, four weeks before the start of the new season.

Hamilton knows that this set-back could distract the team however he has faith in them and believes they will be able to put it to the back of their minds whilst they continue with preparations for the new season.

“The only concern I have is that the concentration and determination of the team is not affected and I know it won t be,” Hamilton said. “I just hope the team keep in mind that we still are the best.

“For me, from now until the first Grand Prix, I have got to be working 100 percent the same as the team. Formula One has been an amazing rollercoaster and I am very happy and proud to have been part of it but in terms of all the politics, it has been very frustrating in that sense I am just a racer.

“I love to go to the tracks and drive. I don t like to get involved in all the politics but unfortunately you are dragged into it. That comes with the whole game and you just have to deal with it in the best way you can. Hopefully next year we will have a much smoother year and can have fun.

“I can t say I will win it next year but I believe I have the ability to win and I believe being in the right place at the right time and, with hard work and dedication, it is possible. I hope I can give Britain some sporting success in 2008.

“I am very proud of my family and their background and where they come from and I am very proud of being British and the support I have had has been fantastic. I don t feel I let them down it was my first year but I just hope they continue to support me and I hope I can deliver.”

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