LEWIS Hamilton is determined to end his dismal run of form with a strong showing at the British Formula One grand prix this weekend.

The 23-year-old Briton has not gained a single point in his last two races and arrives at Silverstone 10 points adrift of Ferrari's world championship leader Felipe Massa.

However Hamilton is eager to perform in front of what are sure to be huge crowds and the McLaren star believes that racing on home soil can give him the kind of boost he needs to get his season back on track.

"There's something about racing in your home country that definitely affects you," Hamilton said in the official team race preview.

"You can't really say what it is, but there is something about the familiarity of your surroundings and the constant support of the crowd that gives you a boost throughout the whole weekend.
"It's not something you experience anywhere else but it does make you that bit more determined to succeed. People talk of winning the big four': Silverstone, Monaco, Monza and Spa, but it's more straightforward for me.

"I want to win the first race of the season, I want to win Monte Carlo -- which I did for the first time this year -- and I want to win my home grand prix.

"Those are my goals and I'm ready for the challenge at Silverstone this weekend."

Hamilton snatched a sensational pole position at Silverstone last year but had to settle for third place in the race behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, who would go on to win the world championship.

As well as looking to emulate Raikkonen's performance in Sunday's race, Hamilton is also looking to follow the Finn and produce a come-from-behind championship triumph.

"Kimi was 17 points behind with two races to go last year, the fact that he not only came back but also won the title tells you a lot about how unpredictable this sport can be," added Hamilton, currently lying fourth in the championship. -- AFP