Abu Dhabi: British F1 star Lewis Hamilton said yesterday it was "great to be back in Abu Dhabi" as he prepares to regain his driver's title in the capital.
The 25-year-old still has a mathematical chance of reclaiming the driver's championship at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend but has to rely on a number of external factors going his way.
Hamilton is in fourth place heading into the final race of the season, 24 points adrift of championship leader Fernando Alonso, with Red Bull duo Sebastien Vettel and Mark Webber also ahead of him in the standings.
Perfect season
He, therefore, has to win Sunday's race and hope his three rivals finish outside the points. "This is my second time in Abu Dhabi and I am staying in a wonderful hotel. The people are so welcoming here and the climate is incredible; I have already managed to squeeze in a round of golf. The Yas Marina track is also wonderful so it's the perfect end to the season," he said.
The McLaren Mercedes star was speaking at a promotional event in Abu Dhabi for Bridgestone Corporation, which bids farewell to the FIA Formula One World Championship after this Sunday's season finale.
The assembled media were prevented from asking Hamilton any questions related to Formula One or this weekend's race. He was instead asked a series of questions by a moderator about Bridgestone's involvement in the sport.
"I have been driving with Bridgestone tyres since I was a 13-year-old. I have always felt safe using them and I generally know how they behave, which is not easy because you have to work hard to understand tyres. You don't learn about them straight away; you have to learn bit by bit."