• Monaco Grand Prix

Hamilton targets Monaco repeat

Lewis Hamilton shows off his diamond-encrusted helmet for the 2009 Monaco Grand Prix © Getty Images

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Lewis Hamilton says that a new helmet design and the forecast showers in Monaco could help him to repeat his 2008 victory in what he hopes will be 'the most exciting and unpredictable Monaco Grands Prix for many years.'

For the last three Monaco Grands Prix, Hamilton has worn limited edition diamond-encrusted helmets designed by specialist jewellers Steinmetz.

This year, Hamilton is hoping that a new design could provide the inspiration for victory although he is refusing to give anything away.

"I'll be wearing a specially-painted helmet for the occasion," said Hamilton. "When you see it you'll know why I'll be hoping for it to swing the odds in my favour."

Hamilton crashed out of second position on the penultimate lap of Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix due to a suspected tyre rim failure. But he hopes that returning to his favourite venue will provide a change of fortune, even if the weather again plays a part.

"I love the Monaco circuit," added Hamilton. "It's the greatest track in Formula One, and my victory there in 2008 is still probably my best win in Formula One, and one of the greatest moments in my career. It was an incredible day.

"In 2008 it was wet, and looking at the week ahead, the weather also looks extremely unpredictable, with heavy rain forecast for much of the week. Even if it doesn't rain on the Sunday, the possibility of heavily disrupted practice and qualifying sessions means we'll probably go into the race with a chance of one of the most exciting and unpredictable Monaco Grands Prix for many years.

"That would be fantastic because with just a single stop in the race for tyres, there's going to be less opportunity for strategy to play a role in deciding the outcome, unless it rains of course. That means qualifying will be more important than ever, and we're still working hard to improve our qualifying pace.

"But I think Monaco is a place where the input of the driver is more important than at any other track, so I'm pretty confident we'll be able to do a good job."

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