Hamilton stays 'relaxed and calm'

Lewis Hamilton insists he can cope with the pressure he faces from rivals in the battle to be world champion.

The Englishman is two points ahead of McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso with three races left, while Ferrari driver Raikkonen trails Hamilton by 13 points.

"It's been a strange experience to realise I can win in F1 and for the championship to become a reality," Hamilton, 22, said.

"It's important to stay relaxed and calm. It's been phenomenal."

The spy scandal that has engulfed the sport, as well as a growing rift with his team-mate Alonso, have added to the pressure on Hamilton ahead of this weekend's vital Japanese Grand Prix.

And Hamilton has admitted he knows nothing about the new Fuji Speedway circuit where the race is being staged.

Toyota-owned Fuji replaced Suzuka on the Formula One calendar for 2007 after a 30-year absence.

Hamilton said: "I haven't seen the circuit. I know it has a very long straight, but I don't know what to expect.

"I always dreamed of racing at Suzuka but when I arrived in Formula One they told me 'we don't do Suzuka anymore'.

"I was a bit disappointed but it's still a great experience coming to a circuit which is new to everyone. It should be a great race."

Alonso, the reigning champion, said he expected the title battle to go to the wire.

"We are not in any position to make any predictions," the Spaniard said.

"I am sure the championship will continue to swing between all four drivers [including Raikkonen's team-mate Felipe Massa]. We can still win races, and will be doing everything to make this happen in Japan."

Source: BBC Sport