Hamilton eyes 'full set' of historic wins

The McLaren driver said that having now added a Spa win to his Monte Carlo and Silverstone triumphs of 2008, Monza was the last of the historic racetracks where he had yet to mount the top step of the podium.

"I've always looked at those four circuits on the calendar as being a little more special than the others," said Hamilton in an interview for his personal website.

"A couple of years ago, I remember David Coulthard saying he was proud to win those four grands prix for McLaren because they somehow connected him to the history of the sport, and I know exactly what he means. It's because those venues are unique - they're very special; you can feel the history at those races more than anywhere else.

"That's why I was so pleased and proud to have finally won at Spa - because it's a giant of the sport, and it means something to every driver who's ever raced there.

"So I'm going to Monza looking to take another win and keep pushing forward in the championship. Our car should be strong there too, but, as with every race in this championship, you can never take anything for granted."

Hamilton had crossed the line first at Spa two years ago, but had the victory controversially taken away by a post-race penalty for an incident with Kimi Raikkonen. His wins in Monte Carlo and at Silverstone were both dominant wet-weather performances acknowledged as two of the finest drives of his career.