Motorsport: Hamilton relaxed on eve of McLaren test

Lewis Hamilton starts a two-day test with McLaren later today, ready to show the Formula One team that he has what it takes to partner world champion Fernando Alonso next year.

The 21-year-old Briton had been due to begin at Silverstone last night (NZ time) but that was pushed back a day for technical reasons.

Hamilton did nine installation laps, testing the systems and radio, and that was enough to put a smile on his face.

"I was fairly relaxed when I arrived but when you get on track and realise where you are and what you are doing, it is a phenomenal feeling," he said.

"The feeling when I went out the first time was amazing...every time they started the car I just couldn't help smiling.

"I tried to be serious but I just had this big grin on my face...I'm just living my dream at the moment."

Hamilton has been backed by McLaren for more than a decade and is only a step away from becoming the first black British Formula One driver after winning the GP2 feeder series at Monza in Italy this month.

McLaren have signed Spaniard Alonso from Renault but are losing Finland's Kimi Raikkonen to Ferrari and have yet to name a replacement. Hamilton is a strong candidate.

"I don't feel any pressure and the team have actually told me that there is no need for me to feel pressure," he said.

"They just want me to get started and get some mileage under my belt. It has been a long and hard journey to get here and I really appreciate the opportunity.

"There is no pressure from anyone for me to go out and be quick straight away...the team has basically just told me that I have deserved this test and to relax and enjoy it."

Team head Ron Dennis has said he hopes to confirm the team's line-up before the end of the year and McLaren intend to give Hamilton as much time as possible in the car before making their final decision.

Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, the 35-year-old test driver who replaced Juan Pablo Montoya after the Colombian left for the US-based NASCAR series, is eager to retain the race drive and will join Hamilton at Silverstone.

Hamilton is in no doubt that he is ready for Formula One but could be made to wait a year as a test driver before getting his opportunity.

"I have done everything I need to do to prove that I'm ready to race a Formula One car," he told reporters recently.

"Being alongside the best driver, with all that experience -- the things I can learn from Alonso would be endless. A race seat alongside him would be the best place for me."

- REUTERS