Hamilton seeks fifth victory in Hungary

Lewis Hamilton is aiming to win his third straight Hungarian Grand Prix and fifth overall as he chases Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg for the championship lead in the last race before the summer break.

Mercedes has won nine of the season’s first 10 races and Rosberg leads the drivers’ standings with 190 points, 14 more than Hamilton.

Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull is third with 106 points.

If previous results are anything to go by, Rosberg would not seem to have much of a chance to hold off Hamilton in Sunday’s race.

Rosberg’s last three placings at the winding, slow Hungaroring circuit have been going from bad to worse – ninth, 10th and 19th.

Hamilton, meanwhile, won in 2012 and 2013 and was fourth in 2011. He also took the top spot on the podium in Hungary in 2007 and 2009.

“I don’t really have any secrets there,” Hamilton said.

“I’ve just been very fortunate in that race and it’s a circuit I really enjoy. It’s one where you can really attack … so perhaps it suits my driving style a little bit more than some others.”

Hamilton drew much praise for his performance at last week’s German GP in Hockenheim.

After crashing during qualifying and taking a five-place grid penalty because of a gearbox change, he started in 20th place and climbed up to finish third.

“I can’t focus more or work harder than I am doing right now,” Hamilton said.

“The championship is proving a big challenge for me but that’s how I love it and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

High track temperatures are expected again this year, though weather forecasts say light rain is likely on Saturday and thunderstorms on Sunday.

After Hungary, the Formula One circuit returns from vacation for the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps on August 24.

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