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Hamilton expects to be competitive

Lewis Hamilton visited India at the end of September for a demonstration run ahead of the grand prix © Getty Images

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Lewis Hamilton expects McLaren to be competitive in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix next weekend.

Formula One visits India for the first time to race on the new Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Despite only being able to simulate how well suited the MP4-26C will be to the circuit, Hamilton says McLaren's competitiveness in the last three grands prix leads him to believe it will be fighting for victories on every circuit until the end of the season.

"It's too early to say, but I think we're set to be competitive at all of the final three races," Hamilton said. "We were quick at Singapore, Japan and Korea - and I think the pattern at the front has sort of settled down now as we reach the end of the season. I think we have a car that can be quick anywhere, so I'd like to think we'd be in the hunt again next weekend."

Hamilton also thinks that India will embrace Formula One, having experienced the number of fans that turned out to watch him carry out a demonstration run in September.

"I've been a few times before - we've done a few Vodafone promotional days there. The last time was just crazy - just after Singapore, we did a demo run in Bangalore and were expecting 5,000 people to turn up. On the day, there were around 40,000 fans - it was just incredible. You can't believe how many people are aware of Formula 1 and how many are looking forward to the race next week. There's already a great deal of knowledge about the sport - I think it's going to be a big deal.

"India's a sport-mad nation - mostly, it's about cricket, which is understandable because they're a very successful cricketing country, but I really think the people of India are going to take Formula 1 to their hearts. The reception we've had in the last few years has been greater than I could ever have predicted and I think the whole country is ready for something new and something exciting. I really hope India will get turned on to Formula 1 in a big way - it would be amazing to have an entire continent supporting you - and I really hope we can put on a fantastic race!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.