Grapevine: Hamilton nominated for BBC award

Fresh from securing a hat-trick of trophies at Sunday night's Autosport Awards, Hamilton is the bookie's favourite to capture the BBC Award that will be voted for this weekend.

Hamilton will face opposition from MotoGP rider James Toseland, boxers Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe, athletes Paula Radcliffe and Christine Ohuruogu, golfer Justin Rose, tennis player Andy Murray, and England rugby stars Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson.

Speaking about his nomination, Hamilton told the official McLaren website: "It is an amazing feeling; it has been such a fantastic year and now to be nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, it's incredible.

"It is a win-win situation, I'm up against some amazing talent and to be honest am overwhelmed that I have even been considered."

Hamilton said, however, that he did not think he would come out on top.

"To be honest, I don't think I will win it because, yes it has been a great year and I've had a lot of support, but there are a lot of other people who have done great things this year," he said.

"For example what Paula Radcliffe has achieved is fantastic, she is an amazing woman. But if I did win it, I honestly don't know. You will have to wait and see!

"It would be incredible. This year has just got better and better, okay we didn't win the world Championship with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, but I won the support from my country.

"To have been recognised and to receive an award like this would be the icing on the cake."

The Sports Personality of the Year show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday night, with almost 8000 people expected to attend.