Hamilton dazzled by Monaco's 'bling' allure

[davewilson]

He did not need much encouragement, but on Wednesday Lewis Hamilton was easily seduced by the glitz and glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix.

On the eve of opening practice on the most famous of all street circuits run round the houses, hotels, casinos and restaurants of the Mediterranean principality, the 22-year-old British rookie could not stop grinning.

One of his McLaren Mercedes-Benz team's major sponsors had given both drivers defending double world champion Fernando Alsono of Spain, 25, and championship leader Hamilton a set of white diamonds for their racing helmets - as well as rings and bracelets for themselves and their girlfriends.

Hamilton was even cheeky enough to ask sponsors Steinmetz, a Geneva-based diamonds specialist, for an extra earring for himself.

Hamilton said: "I'm all blinged up. I've bling on my helmet. How cool is that?"

"It feels fantastic. I take a lot of care of my helmet, and now to have some diamonds on it...while the ring even spins! I've seen drivers in the past with diamonds on their helmets, and now it's amazing to know it's on mine."

He added, however, that he understood the difference between the glamour of his job as a Grand Prix driver and the real professional task of racing for victory.

"I feel very comfortable, great coming into this weekend. The team have done a great job, so I feel very optimistic about the whole weekend. I'm expecting it to go well. I just need to make sure I am focused.

"You need to be focused here more than any other track because you have no room for error. So you need to be relaxed, enjoy the atmosphere, the whole experience, but there is also a job to do."