Hamilton, Button target home glory at the British Grand Prix

Although McLaren face a tough challenge at Silverstone, having struggled to cope with the pace of Red Bull last time out in Valencia, further restrictions to off-throttle exhaust blowing could offer them a chance to reclose that gap.

Also in their favour is Hamilton's previous race-winning form at Silverstone, and the Briton is predicting another thriller this year as he bids to win again and close down Sebastian Vettel in the championship standings.

"My victory at Silverstone in 2008 was one of the sweetest and most satisfying moments of my entire Formula 1 career - and it's a memory that I always carry with me," Hamilton confessed.

"For this year, of course, we head to a very new Silverstone - and while much has changed around the circuit and in the paddock, I'm sure that all those thousands of fans will be just as passionate as ever - it's one of the greatest things about the Santander British Grand Prix.

"Going into this race, we're facing some very stiff new interpretations of the regulations; while they'll affect all teams, it will be interesting to see if the competitive order is changed as a result.

"It's going to be a busy weekend for our engineers as they adapt - as always, they'll do a fantastic job to ensure we stay competitive.

"I'm really looking forward to Silverstone: it's one of the best circuits in the world, and I really think that the arrival of DRS and KERS Hybrid will make this one of the best and most exciting British Grands Prix ever."

In contrast to his team-mate, Button's best finish at his home Grand Prix remains fourth, a position he earned in 2004 and again last year - and one he is determined to improve upon in 2011.

"It would mean everything to me to be able to win my home grand prix - that would be my dream come true," Button said.

"My best finish at Silverstone is fourth, which I earned in 2004 and last year, after a great charge through the field after a disappointing performance in qualifying. Although it's a place that's not been too kind to me, I'm really looking forward to this year's race.

"With a new startline, a new first corner and an all-new pit and paddock complex, the new facilities should be fantastic, and I think they'll confirm Silverstone as one of the best circuits in the world.

"As always, we'll see once again that the British fans are some of the most passionate, knowledgeable and loyal in the whole world. Whatever happens, it will be a great weekend."

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh echoed his driver's enthusiasm, saying: "Silverstone has been the spiritual home of Formula 1 in Great Britain since the birth of the world championship back in 1950, and it's hugely rewarding to see that, not only has the circuit gone from strength to strength, but that it's still leading the way.

"This weekend will also be exciting for different reasons, with new restrictions placed on off-throttle exhaust blowing and the anticipated effect that may have on the competitive order. I'm optimistic that we'll remain competitive and will hopefully be able to provide the many thousands of home fans with a good result next weekend.

"As our home race, I sincerely hope this will be a great Santander British Grand Prix!"