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Q & A with Lewis Hamilton

Last year Lewis Hamilton was the centre of attention when he arrived at his home grand prix, and after a shaky performance in qualifying, he duly delivered one of the finest victories of his career in the very wet race

But twelve months on McLaren's decline means that Hamilton is comparatively low-profile, and just hoping to get into the top ten, although as he told the media after practice on Friday, that is not stopping him enjoying what is set to be Silverstone's last Formula 1 weekend.

Q. How was it today?

Lewis Hamilton: It wasn't too bad. For sure it could be better, but we have not made any improvements and we have not brought any upgrades for this race. So the car is just the same as it was in Turkey and we have made some set-up changes and it seems to be fairly consistent. Not consistently fast like the others, but it's consistent.

Q. How is it treating the tyres, there were some people having graining problems today?

LH: I don't think we are fast enough to get into a graining situation. We never really get to the graining zone so I am not having any of that.

Q. So for all your fans out there what can they expect from you this weekend?

LH: For me it's already turned out to be one of the best weekends of the year. Because firstly I am at my home grand prix and the fans are incredible here. I've seen the support since the first lap I did today, and every time I walk out of my garage or come by I can see them supporting me. My girlfriend has arrived and surprised me, and my family are all here. So it couldn't be better for me.

Q. Are you concerned about this morning's FOTA announcement?

LH: I've got a job to focus on and it doesn't really bother me.

Q. What were your thoughts on the politics going on off-track?

LH: I don't have any. I've just come out of the car and I am focusing on how I can improve my car, so I can catch the guys in front.

Q. Are you not worried about your job?

LH: No, I have got a job here for sure.

Q. How was the performance of the car today?

LH: Well we weren't any faster than we have been before but in terms of the way the car was driving it was definitely nicer to drive. So it was more of a pleasure to drive, it was still hard. We just don't have the grip the others have.

Q. Was it really a surprise to see your girlfriend?

LH: Yeah, I had no idea she was coming and I haven't seen her for seven weeks, so it was a nice surprise.

Q. Where will you drive next year?

LH: Wherever my team goes I'll be there.

Q. Are you hoping to get through to Q3?

LH: Fingers crossed we will, but it is still on the edge. We might be 11th, but I am pushing to get there.

Q. Is there less pressure this weekend than a year ago?

LH: I'm more used to it, but for sure there is a little bit less pressure than a year ago. I'm not fighting for the championship and I don't think anyone's under pressure like I was last year. I was leading the championship but one small slip up and I could have fallen into second place, Jenson [Button] is way far ahead so I'm not particularly stressed and he's not particularly stressed.

Q. Do you think the fans find it rather difficult to get their heads around what has happened, with Jenson suddenly winning?

LH: I don't think so. I think that finally he has got a great car and sadly I don't, and that's the way it goes. I guarantee that if you put every single one of us in a top car like Jenson's car, you would really get to see who was at the top and who was the best.

Q. Can you tell us what it's like to be racing at what might be the last Silverstone GP?

LH: It's a pleasure. I'm just living in the moment and enjoying the whole weekend. The fans have been incredible already. We have had a huge turn out just today, and I am proud to be here, to have been able to race here and proud that I was able to be a part of history. My favourite Silverstone will always be last year.

Q. Are the events overnight a distraction?

LH: I haven't really taken any notice of it.

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