F1: Monaco is best shot at victory

May 26 2007 By The Evening Chronicle

Anthony Davidson believes the Monaco Grand Prix represents Lewis Hamilton's best chance of a maiden victory this year.

Hamilton headed into qualifying today as the youngest leader of the drivers' standings in the 57-year history of Formula One.

The 22-year-old is two points clear of McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso, three ahead of Ferrari's Felipe Massa and eight in front of the second Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.

The young Briton certainly appeared impressive in Thursday's two practice sessions before a starter-motor problem curtailed one, and an accident the other.

But the shunt is unlikely to have made the 22-year-old any less cautious when he returns to the Principality's tight 3.34km street circuit.

As far as Super Aguri's Davidson is concerned, looking in from the outside he has been amazed by what Hamilton has achieved so far this season.

"It's quite incredible the job he is doing, especially against Alonso. The guy can do no wrong at the moment," assessed Davidson - who, like Hamilton, is in his first full rookie season.

"We've always known the skill he possesses has been equal to the guys that have come through to Formula One via similar routes.

"But he is in a brilliant position in his career, in particular going straight into one of the best cars on the grid. He has acquitted himself against one of the best drivers in the business.

"To put yourself against a double world champion, you learn so much so fast, and Lewis does learn quickly. So he is doing very well, although I believe if he were in last year's Renault against Alonso he would not have done as well as he is doing now."

After claiming third on his debut in Australia, followed by three consecutive second-place finishes in Malaysia, Bahrain and Spain, all that now remains is for Hamilton to clinch that first win.

Davidson feels Hamilton can do that tomorrow, although he fears the Ferraris - in particular Massa's - will have the edge overall this year.

"The speed of the Ferraris in a race seems quite quick," added the 28-year-old. "I think the more confident Massa becomes the better he will get.

"He can beat Raikkonen in a straight fight in qualifying and in a race because he has the pace. It looked easy for him in Barcelona a couple of weeks ago when he won there. Right now, though, I wouldn't bet against Hamilton for the title, and I think he can win here."