Hamilton bullish ahead of Australian GP

Hamilton,25,who has teamed up with reigning drivers8217; champion Jenson Button at McLaren this season,won in Melbourne on the way to his world title two years ago and is looking for a big showing in Sunday8217;s second GP of the season.

8220;I had a great race in Bahrain despite losing time in the opening stint,8221; Hamilton said. 8220;I pushed like crazy for the whole race and I8217;m pleased that we8217;ve got some decent points on the board.

8220;I8217;m looking forward to Melbourne. I like the circuit,I think we8217;ll go well there and I don8217;t think we8217;ll have the same problems that slowed our progress in Bahrain.

8220;It was in Melbourne where I achieved my first podium finish and it is a place where the team has generally done well.8221;

Hamilton spent a few hours sailing on the iconic Sydney Harbour today,relaxing ahead of the Australian race. He was handed the steering wheel of former America8217;s Cup yacht Spirit after receiving expert tuition from Australian sailing legend Iain Murray.

8220;I have a bit of understanding of sailing having done some on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom a while back but it was a fantastic experience nonetheless,8221; Hamilton said.

8220;I won the race after I sailed last time out and it would be nice to repeat the feat this weekend too.8221; Hamilton,who beat home teammate Button in Bahrain,said they were friends away from the circuit.

8220;Jenson and I are friends outside of the car,8221; he said. 8220;It is great to be driving alongside the current world champion but we are professionals and always try to beat each other.

8220;There is a good atmosphere in the team and we work well together.8221;

Opening practice for the Australian GP gets underway on Friday.