The first practice of the 2012 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is just two days away but even with all 24 drivers in town, the world's media is interested in mainly on one man - Lewis Hamilton.
In recent weeks, Hamilton's off-track affairs have dominated headlines after he admitted his future was undecided at long-term employer McLaren, and a reported cooling of relations with team-mate Jenson Button.
Rumour has it that Hamilton could be leaving McLaren at the end of the season and moving to Mercedes.
During an interview with Channel NewsAsia, both Hamilton and McLaren declined to comment on this issue.
But the 27-year-old opened up when he spoke about Singapore and the unique and challenging conditions the Singapore Grand Prix has to offer.
"It is definitely not one of the easiest places. It is still one of the hardest places to overtake," said Hamilton, who won the Singapore Grand Prix in 2009.
He said: "You have one straight. We have the drag reduction system, but still. I tried overtaking last year or whenever it was and the guy took me out, so it's definitely not easy to overtake here.
"But it's an incredible circuit and massively demanding. But starting as high up as possible towards the front will ensure a much easier race."
Hamilton arrived in Singapore in top condition after winning two of the last three Grand Prix races.
He is optimistic and confident, knowing a win will narrow the current 37-point lead Ferrari's Fernando Alonso has at the top of the driver's standings.
"Yeah, yeah we're very, very happy with how the development is going. The performance is improving through the most important part of the year, which is the second half of the year. So it's getting pretty intense and the competition is very, very close. But they're doing a great job," said the 2008 world champion.
Source: CNA
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