Lewis Hamilton: I expected to be a lot further back

Lewis Hamilton has stated how he expected to start the European Grand Prix from further back on the grid, instead of from the front row alongside the reigning World Champion. After struggling all weekend with set-up changes, the 2008 World Champion believes today’s race will be tough prospect, with the field so competitive.

With seven different winners out of the first seven races of the season, many have this weekend tipped the Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen or Romain Grosjean as likely candidates to become the eighth different winner. Although Lewis Hamilton starts ahead of both Lotus drivers, the Briton believes they are certainly the ones to watch as the race unfolds.

“I expected to be a lot further back.” Explained Lewis Hamilton, “We’ve struggled all weekend, going from P3 to qualifying we had to make some guesses as to what kind of set-up we wanted to change. It seemed to work OK and I’m really, really surprised. I think the gap is still pretty big here and it will be a tough race tomorrow for sure, as always. I think, you look at the grid, because it’s so hot, the Lotus cars look massively competitive. I think they’re going to be the ones to watch out for tomorrow. I’m sure the Ferraris will be very quick on their long runs as well.”

The European Grand Prix around the Valencia Street Circuit has become renowned for producing dull races with very little overtaking, however the 2012 season has been unique in producing highly entertaining and unpredictable races. It seems this afternoons race is set to be no exception, as Lewis Hamilton strives to take his second consecutive victory of the season.

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