Hamilton fired up for start of season

The Briton enjoyed a sensational debut season in 2007, going on to win four races on his way to second place in the standings, just one point behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton says his goal for 2008 is to improve his performance, and he admits he can't wait to get racing again.

"Obviously the targets for the team and for myself are to win as many races as possible, improve on my performance from last year, finish all the races and for the team it is to win the constructors' championship as well," said Hamilton in a team preview.

"My motivation is even higher than last year, but in a slightly different way.

"I would say last year was an uncontrollable determination and excitement and just not really knowing what was coming up, just going into the deep blue.

"Now I know what to expect, I know about my preparations so I am storing energy. To some people it might appear that I am quieter or something along those lines, but I am saving all this energy for the first race, and I cannot wait to get out there."

Hamilton says McLaren have taken a big step forward with their new car, and he is adamant the team are in very good shape for the first race in Australia.

"I feel very positive about it, I think we have made some mega steps forward and the reliability is even better," he added. "The car feels stronger than last year, and despite the removal of areas such as traction control, it is also very similar in certain ways.

"I think we have come a really long way already before the first Grand Prix, and I am confident we will be able to compete with the other teams"