McLaren 'back in its element' in Turkey

After a relatively disappointing Monaco Grand Prix, where neither Hamilton nor team-mate Jenson Button were able to challenge for the podium, the drivers are hoping that the high-speed characteristics of Turkey will better suit their car.

"I'm looking forward to Turkey," said Hamilton. "I think we came away from Monaco with a respectable result, but the MP4-25 wasn't particularly well suited to a tight and bumpy track like that. At a place like Istanbul Park, our car will be back in its element.

"It loves smooth, fast circuits, where the aero can really work over the car through the long, fast corners. It should feel fantastic to drive.

"So, looking at the characteristics of the track, it's a place where we should be able to pick up from where we left off in Spain. We're not under any illusions, but we think we'll be able to get another decent result and we're hopeful of taking the fight to the cars at the front."

McLaren's hopes should be boosted by a few upgrades the team is bringing to the race, plus the fact the Istanbul circuit has been resurfaced - which should make the asphalt smoother.

Button added: "We've got some new upgrades for this race, which I think underlines the strength of our development push. We should be particularly well suited to Turkey, and I think we've got a good chance of going well there."