Share

Hamilton vow: 'I'll try in Japan'

SUZUKA, Japan - McLaren Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton was silent on Wednesday about his high-profile move to Mercedes in 2013 while he attended a sponsor's event in Tokyo ahead of Sunday's 2012 Japanese GP.

The 27-year-old Briton, 2008 World champion, has not spoken publicly about the switch since Mercedes announced last Friday that he would join them on a three-year deal from the start of the 2013 F1 season. Asked about the transfer before reporters, cameramen and TV crews, Hamilton said he would only speak about the Swiss watchmaker, one of his sponsors, which organised the event.

'IMPORTANT FOR US'

Hamilton will again face the media after he travels to Suzuka on Thursday to join his McLaren team mate and fellow Briton Jenson Button to prepare for the 15th event in the 20-race season.

"This weekend, it is an important race for us," he said of the Japanese GP which he has not won since joining F1 in 2007.

Hamilton's fourth win of the season eluded him at the Singapore GP two weeks earlier; he retired with a broken gearbox after starting from pole and is fourth in the Drivers' championship.

"I love the track. It's absolutely phenomenal," Hamilton said of the 5.8km figure-of-eight Suzuka circuit. "It's one of the real racers' circuits - it's a track at which I have not won so I'll try..."
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()