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Hamilton ready for 100th grand prix

Lewis Hamilton's 99 races to date have all come with McLaren © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• German Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Lewis Hamilton

• Teams:
• McLaren

Lewis Hamilton will make his 100th grand prix start if he takes part in the German GP at Hockenheim on Sunday.

Since making his debut for McLaren at the start of 2007, Hamilton has gone on to win 18 races and secure a world championship. His last race was a disappointing one as he struggled to eighth place at Silverstone, but he said that he been able to move on from that result quickly and focus on reaching a milestone at an historic circuit he enjoys.

"I was quick to get over our disappointing weekend at Silverstone, running with the Olympic flame on the day after the race and then quickly turning my full attention to Hockenheim," Hamilton said. "Unbelievably, next weekend will mark my 100th grand prix. That's incredible, because I still remember my first as if it were only yesterday - I guess Formula 1 has that effect on you!

"It's always been a regret of mine that I arrived in Formula 1 too late to race on the classic, old Hockenheim layout, where the track disappeared for miles into the forests and was only broken up by a couple of relatively high-speed chicanes. It must have been incredible battling round that track with minimal downforce, locked in a slipstreaming battle with another car and waiting for just the right moment to pounce and overtake."

Hamilton added that he expected another exciting grand prix at Hockenheim due to the overtaking opportunities that are available.

"I very much enjoy the updated track - it's a place that's built for racing: the hairpin at the end of the back straight is a classic overtaking spot, and the whole layout seems to make it more inviting for a following car to attempt an overtake. This is the first time we've been to Hockenheim since introducing DRS, too, so it should make for an even more exciting race."

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