Sports / Motor Racing |
Hamilton to drive for McLaren in 2007(Reuters)Updated: 2006-11-25 13:34 Briton Lewis Hamilton will race for McLaren next year alongside double world champion Fernando Alonso, the Formula One team said on Friday. Hamilton will be the sport's first black driver. Of Anglo-Caribbean origin, his paternal grandparents came from the West Indies. "It's a dream come true," said the 21-year-old in a statement. "To be racing in Formula One with McLaren has been the ultimate goal for me since I was very young and this opportunity is a fantastic way to end what has been the best year for me." Backed by McLaren for the past decade, Lewis won this year's GP2 championship that acts as a feeder series to Formula One. CONTINUED SUPPORT Spaniard Alonso has joined from champions Renault in an all-new line-up for Mercedes-powered McLaren. "I have grown up with McLaren and Mercedes and wouldn't be where I am today without their continued support and guidance," continued Hamilton. "However I'm aware that this will be a challenge and I know that there will be a lot of attention on me. However, the team has told me just to relax, do the best I can and enjoy the opportunity. I will work hard to get good results." Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa, who stood in as a race driver after Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya left for NASCAR in July, will revert to his former test driver role along with Briton Gary Paffett. "Since 1998 Lewis has formed an important part of our long-term strategy and we are pleased that we are able to help him take another step and achieve his dream of becoming a Formula One racing driver," said team boss Ron Dennis. "Pedro has done an outstanding job for us this season but we felt it was the right time to provide Lewis with this opportunity. "It's obviously going to be the biggest challenge of Lewis's career so far but it's one that we are sure he will be able to meet," added Dennis. "He is coming into the paddock for the first time as a Formula One racing driver and will have to familiarise himself with the pressures of a Grand Prix weekend. However, the confidence we have in Lewis's abilities and talent is clear from our decision to give him the chance."
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