Lewis Hamilton claims he may have his best chance to finally win the Malaysian Grand Prix despite a disappointing mechanical flop in Australia which left him trailing in the standings.

Hamilton said on Thursday his Mercedes, which took him to pole position at the Formula One season-opener but then lasted just a few laps of the race, was the strongest he had brought to tropical Malaysia’s Sepang circuit.

“I’ve had some good results here but obviously I haven’t won here. So that’s been the challenge every time I come,” said Hamilton, who was second in 2007 and finished third last year and the year before.

“The goal is obviously to win, but this is perhaps the year that I’ve had the best car to be able to do so. So I’m hoping that we have a chance to capitalise on that.”

The 2008 world champion was the prime performer in pre-season and he was runaway favourite to win in Australia after snatching a thrilling pole position at Melbourne’s Albert Park.

But a misfiring cylinder ended Hamilton’s race within minutes as Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg flew to a commanding win 25 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger.

Hamilton, who expects to use the same engine this week, said he already had a “serious deficit” to make up on Rosberg, but added that he had no problem playing catch-up.

“It depends how you look at it. Me, I like to chase, so it may have done me a favour,” said the 29-year-old Briton.

“Reliability’s going to be put to the real test this weekend. Because it’s so hot, the engine’s going to be on the absolute limit.”