Hamilton: I learnt all my craft in karting

Following a day behind the wheel of a kart at Sydney’s Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway 2008 Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has confirmed where he learnt all of his race craft and where his fondest motorsport memories are – karting.

Hamilton sets new lap record in go-kart before Australian Grand Prix – From News Track India (http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/03/15/275562-Hamilton-sets-new-lap-record-in-go-kart-before-Australian-Grand-Prix.html)

Lewis Hamilton in action at Sydney's Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway. Pic: Pam Matthews

Former World Champion Lewis Hamilton has set a new lap record in Australia before the commencement of the championship season this year in Australia.

Hamilton drove go-kart for the first time in five years at Eastern Creek Raceway in Sydney and swiftly set a track record time of 46.9sec.

“Go-kart racing is one of my favorite and fondest memories I have. It’s where I learnt all my craft and it’s fantastic here,” The Sun quoted Hamilton, as saying.

“It’s just the seats. Every time I’m in the go-kart I always get battered and bruised. I’m sure I’ll feel it tomorrow,” he said.

The F1 season will begin on Friday with practice sessions at Albert Park and Hamilton, and the McLaren ace believes good start to the season can give you good confidence.

“It’s important to start off on a good foot here, definitely. You can try and carry that momentum through the year but it’s such a long year from March all the way down to November,” Hamilton said.

“It’s about keeping consistency and making sure your mind is in the same place for the whole year. I started off last year pretty good. I finished second in the race,” he added.

Troy Hunt (Hamilton's karting team-mate throughout Europe in 1999) with Hamilton and Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway's Garry Holt. Pic: Pam Matthews