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Lewis backs McLaren to dig deep

Lewis Hamilton is confident McLaren will come back even stronger © Getty Images

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Lewis Hamilton insists McLaren can come back even stronger when the fight for the championship resumes in earnest in Belgium at the end of the month.

Hamilton, who has led the championship for the majority of the season, has seen his lead whittled away over the last few grands prix, culminating in Mark Webber edging ahead in the standings after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix. But Hamilton says the break has come at the right time and that McLaren has enough developments planned to hit back in Spa.

"I know we can come back even stronger in the final seven races. We have some very promising developments in the pipeline, and we're making progress in lots of other areas, too," Hamilton told his official website. "We have dug deep before, and I know absolutely that we will dig deep once more.

"With the championship so closely balanced, this is the perfect time for a break. In effect, we'll resume the season as if it's the start of the year again: with everything to play for and none of the top three teams lagging behind on points. That's really exciting!"

With Red Bull Racing and its two drivers yet to taste championship success, Hamilton hopes that McLaren's experience of knowing how to come out on top in a close championship battle will also prove an advantage.

"I'm pleased with what we've achieved so far, but we know that this is really only the foundation for the championship battle, and that what awaits ahead of us will truly decide the title. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has been here before, of course; we know how to win, and we'll be doing everything we possibly can to make sure we're a fully competitive force as soon as the championship restarts at the end of the month.

"In fact, I can't wait for Spa - I wish it was next week!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.