Lewis stays cool and focused

Lewis Hamilton has shunned the party scene and given a number of his friends the cold shoulder as he focuses on securing the Formula One world championship at the second attempt.

Hamilton has been determined to avoid all potential distractions these past few days ahead of next weekend's title-deciding showdown in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

As far as Hamilton is concerned, what happened in China a week ago is now firmly in the past, and all that matters is the clash with McLaren rival Fernando Alonso and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen at the Sao Paulo circuit of Interlagos.

After sliding into the gravel at Shanghai on severely-worn tyres, so blowing his initial crack at becoming the first rookie to win the title, Hamilton has a four-point lead over Alonso, with Raikkonen a further three adrift.

With destiny still in his own hands, the 22-year-old has taken all precautions to ensure he is physically and mentally prepared.

"I'm not dwelling on what I could have done," insisted Hamilton.

He added: "I feel good. As Brazil is hot, I've done some intense training this week with my trainer, in particular exercising the other side of my neck as it is an anti-clockwise circuit.

"I've also looked at onboard footage of the race, visiting the McLaren Technology Centre to see my engineer.

"We've analysed what happened at the last race and looked at where I was quickest and where there is room for improvement.

"We've made sure we're going to Brazil with clear decisions on set-up and where we aim to go with it.

"I've also been very low key - no events, no partying. I've even side-tracked some of my friends to make sure I am in the right frame of mind."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

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