Hamilton: 2008 a fresh start for McLaren

With the team's 2007 campaign overshadowed by the spying controversy and troubles with Fernando Alonso, Hamilton also suffered great disappointment in losing out on the title in the final race of the campaign.

But on the eve of the first test of the team's new MP4-23 at Jerez in Spain, Hamilton reckons the team are ready to draw a line under their recent difficulties and start afresh this season.

"I believe that it is a fresh start for all of us," said Hamilton. "We've turned over a new leaf and, with the experience of last year, I do feel even stronger. I can't wait to test the car and get to the first race."

Hamilton believes the troubles of last season have also helped the team bond together better as they bid to win their first world championship since 1999.

"I think my relationship with the team is as strong as ever," he said. "When you go through an experience (like last year) with a group of people it definitely does pull your strings and build tension, but then also the relationship grows out of it.

"I think they have known me for so many years and they have known how hard I have worked to put that car at the front. I honestly feel comfortable in the team this year and I don't believe Heikki (Kovalainen) is going to have any problems at all adapting to his new environment."

Hamilton says he has seen no evidence of the team feeling dispirited after the events of 2007, which has been a further boost to him in his bid to bounce back from the personal disappointment of Brazil.

"We got back after Brazil and we had the team together in the cafeteria and Ron (Dennis) thanked everyone and I did the same. We just said: 'let's just keep going and keep pushing forward'.

"The enthusiasm in the team was better than even last year when they welcomed me to the team, so that was a big boost to confidence for me. At the end of the season I just wanted to wind down and find where I am and build myself back up.

"I feel every year I grow. I think all these knocks, mistakes and disappointments that you perhaps get, and even the wins, it helps mould you into a better person.

"If you can come off from a race like Brazil where you should have won the world championship, and you can keep a smile on your face, then that's good.

"Straight away I didn't feel, 'oh I didn't win, blah, blah, blah', I thought I can't wait for next year, bring it on. Hurry up and get this winter out of the way and let's get cracking again. I love driving the car and I honestly believe I can do a better job second time."

Hamilton's views about the team being fully motivated for 2008 have been backed up by Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug, who thinks the team are now over the events of 2007.

"We are only about looking forward," he told autosport.com. "We have enough to do to look forward and there was enough mentioning of last year. I could go into detail about it, but it is not productive.

"We are concentrated and going in the right direction. Having the (new car) launch in Stuttgart this year shows out commitment. It shows we are working, fully motivated and heading in the right direction."