Hamilton targets repeat win in Canada

Hamilton will arrive in Montreal in the championship lead after his superb win at Monaco last weekend.

The McLaren driver admits the track will bring great memories from his first pole position and his maiden Formula One victory, and he is willing to repeat the feat this year.

"The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of my favourite tracks and following my debut win there last year it is a very special place for me and I hope that we will be quick there again this year," said Hamilton in a team preview.

"Last year in Canada was one of the biggest accomplishments of my life, to take my maiden pole and victory in Formula One was incredible, even more so as it was with McLaren.

"It would be great to go back there and do the same, and that is what we are working hard to achieve.

"Since then I think I've matured a lot, I think I have grown stronger as a driver and have become closer to the team."

Hamilton, winner of two races so far this year, is three points clear of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen after the first six races of the season.

Teammate Heikki Kovalainen is also looking to get a positive result in Canada following three disappointing races in Spain, Turkey and Monte Carlo.

The Finn has scored just one point in his last three outings.

"I am going to Montreal to get a good result with the team," he said. "The last few races have been pretty difficult for one reason or another, but all the time we know the car is quick and now I am hoping to be able to demonstrate that."

And Kovalainen reckons McLaren will be strong again in Canada.

"Lewis won there last year and, if that is anything to go by, I hope and think the car will be fast again this year," he added.