Hamilton: Extra buttons not a worry

The return of KERS combined with the new-for-2011 moveable rear wing system has led to concerns that drivers' concentration will be hampered by the amount of different controls they have to operate on their steering wheels this year.

But while Hamilton acknowledged that the new systems would be a challenge, he thinks McLaren has come up with ways to make its drivers' lives easier.

"We are always at the limit anyway, so if you give us more to do you're putting us more on the limit," he said. "But we're all in the same boat except for the people that don't have KERS.

"For the teams, it's a challenge to make it as simple as possible for us to use those devices. Our engineers have come up with some good ideas for us - it's quite easy to use really.

"Okay, when we're on full throttle on a qualifying lap, using KERS and the wing might be quite hard, but in the races it should be easier."

Hamilton said he was in favour of the 2011 rule adjustments.

"I welcome the changes to the regs," he said. "KERS, I've driven with before. With the moveable rear wing as well, it's definitely going to aid overtaking - which is great for the sport and for fans to see."

He also has no concerns about Pirelli's tyres potentially being less durable than 2010's Bridgestones.

"I welcome more pitstops," said Hamilton. "Last year the one pitstop was a little bit less exciting, and changing the refuelling rule took that away [the excitement of more stops].

"From the early stages of testing, it seems the tyres don't last as long so we might have to make more stops. But we want to get through a race with as few stops as possible, so we will work very hard on the tyres to make them last as long as possible."

The 2008 world champion is also upbeat about the potential of the new McLaren, which he helped launch in Berlin today.

"Generally we are looking good - at least as competitive as we were last year," said Hamilton. "Overall it's looking positive, it could be even better."