Exclusive McLaren documentary on ITV1

[davewilson]

ITV Sport kicks off its coverage of the 2007 Formula 1 season with an exclusive documentary this Sunday afternoon.

F1: Chasing the Dream, which will air at 5.05pm on ITV1, takes you behind the scenes at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes as the team gears up for a tilt at the world title.

We visit McLaren’s Woking base to talk to reigning world champion Fernando Alonso, rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton and team boss Ron Dennis.

The programme also includes insights from ex-McLaren driver Martin Brundle and Britain’s last world champion Damon Hill.

As a taster, we’ve pulled out some key quotes from Hamilton on the eve of his grand prix debut in Melbourne…


Lewis on meeting Ron Dennis for the first time at the Autosport Awards

“I was 10 years old when I met Ron. I had just won the British championship in the Cadets, which is the first category you start in karting. I think I just went up to him and said ‘Hi, I’m Lewis Hamilton, I won the British championship and one day I want to be racing your cars.’

“And I think it was three years after that because I’d gone there every year that Ron called us and I remember I got home from school. I was 13 years old and my dad said ‘Ron Dennis called today and he’s offered you a sponsorship deal.’”


Lewis on the support his family has given him

“There was a point at the beginning of my career when me and my dad made a pact – if I worked hard at school he would continue to work hard and keep me racing.

“I think he probably stuck to the deal more than I did maybe. But that’s what you are like when you’re a kid.”


Lewis on achieving his dream of becoming an F1 driver

“Not many people know this but it was at the race in Monza when I had won the GP2 championship


"I walked to the front of the grid as McLaren were on pole position. I was just standing there admiring the car and just imagining what it would be like in Kimi’s position.

“And I remember Ron came over to me, put his arm around me and pulled me to the side and secretly said, ‘I’m going to give you a chance. You’re going to have to work hard for it, but I’m going to give you a chance.’

“At that point it was difficult to know exactly what that was so I put on a professional face, a professional smile, but inside obviously I was ecstatic.

“I didn’t really know what to think. Was that a race drive? Was that a test, or was it going to be a shoot-out to see if I’m going to get the drive, or what?

“Ron invited me round to his house and I sat with him and he said ‘You’re going to be our second driver next year’ and that was just – you can imagine the smile on my face – it was just unreal, a really special moment for me.”


Lewis on having Fernando Alonso as team-mate

“I’ve got the best guy sitting next to me. He can bring a lot to the team. He’s been in Formula 1 for six years. He’s very experienced and very talented – not only on track but off the track he’s very smart as well.

“I just feel I’m in a unique position – who better to learn from?

“I’m not going out to finish behind him. If I was then I shouldn’t really be where I am.”

The Stig

[cosworth151]

I think he has real potential. I just hope that breaking into the sport with a top team, paired with a twice world champion helps him and doesn't overwhelm him.

[davewilson]

Jumping in at the deep end,you either sink or swim.I think he will swim.
The Stig