Hamilton upbeat about McLaren form

The car was unveiled last week in Germany before the team began working on its development at the Spanish circuit, which hosted another testing session this week.

Hamilton believes the car is already showing signs of being stronger than last year's MP4-22, with which the British team scored eight victories.

"I've had two and a half days in the car and we got off to a really good start," Hamilton told McLaren's official website. "Compared to last year the first few tests have been a big improvement, to see the reliability of the car already.

"It is great for the team and shows how hard they have been working. We are moving in the right direction, we just need to keep chipping away.

"The car is an evolution of the MP4-22, so it feels very similar. Already different bits feel better and I am sure over the next few weeks it will just get better and better and keep improving."

Hamilton, who made his Grand Prix debut last year, also believes he is much better prepared for the new season.

"A lot (better prepared). I know what I need, I know how much I have to train, how many days of testing I need to do," he added. "I am fitter now than I was this time last year.

"Going into the races, I know the tracks and it makes it a little bit easier. It is still a big, big challenge for me and the team."