Lewis Hamilton confirmed for 2007
Saturday, November 25, 2006 12:53 [IST]
London: McLaren have
finally confirmed Lewis Hamilton to partner double world champion Fernando
Alonso for next season.
The McLaren-Mercedes protégé who secured the 2006 GP2 Champion and also
dominated the 2005 F3 Euro Series in a Dallara Mercedes winning 15 out of 20
races, will recommence his testing programme and the team’s preparations for
the 2007 season next week at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona.
"It's a dream come true," said Hamilton.
"To be racing in Formula 1 with
McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this
opportunity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me,"
he said.
"I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn't be where I am
today without their continued support and guidance. However I'm aware that this
will be a challenge and I know that there will be a lot of attention on me.
However the team has told me just to relax, do the best I can and enjoy the
opportunity. I will work hard to get good results," he said.
"Since 1998 Lewis has formed an important part of our long-term
strategy and we are pleased that we are able to help him take another step and
achieve his dream of becoming a Formula 1 racing driver," said Ron Dennis.
"It's obviously going to be the biggest challenge of Lewis's career so
far but it's one that we are sure he will be able to meet. He is coming into
the paddock for the first time as a Formula 1 racing driver and will have to
familiarise himself with the pressures of a Grand Prix weekend. However the
confidence we have in Lewis's abilities and talent is clear from our decision
to give him the chance," he said.
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