UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Hamilton to test less this winter

Reduced schedule for Briton

Dec.19 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton says he intends to test less this winter, compared to one year ago.

The McLaren driver made his highly lauded formula one debut in 2007, following a pre-season of intense preparation, including many on-track tests.

"Last year I did all the test days, from even before the end of the season, from September to February," the Briton, who is 22, clarified to the newspaper Daily Mail.

But with a competitive season now behind him, Hamilton says it is more important this time around that his batteries are fully charged ahead of 2008.

"I did every test day alongside Pedro and Fernando (last winter), but this year I obviously don't need to -- it's important at the moment for me to at least take a little bit of a break and spend some time with my family," he explained.

Hamilton insists that missing some tests will not be a disadvantage for him compared with his likely title challengers next year.

"Every day I am in touch with the team and they have an end of day debrief on how the test went, so I always call in for the teleconference and at times I ask questions on how the car was," he said.

Written: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:45:32