New Delhi:
Mercerdes driver Lewis Hamilton is optimistic that Indian Grand Prix will return in 2015 and hopes the Formula One event will gradually become a part of the country's racing culture.
The 2014 edition was scrapped for "political" problems even though the JPSI, promoter of the event, has a five-year contract with Formula One.
"I think it (Indian Grand Prix) will come back. They have put in great efforts to put this track together. It is such an impressive track. The F1 calender is changing every year. The fans would be missing the action but I am sure it will come back," Hamilton told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event on Wednesday.
"Hopefully it will become part of culture here in India and lot more people would be enjoying it," he added.
The race has already been dropped from next year's schedule.
The third season of the Indian Grand Prix will be held at the Buddh International circuit this weekend and the 28-year-old Hamilton said he is itching to give his best on this track.
"I want to do better here. Characteristic wise it is a similar circuit to Korea. Having the experience of racing in Korea, the performance this weekend will be stronger," said Hamilton, who is the Technical Performance Consultant for automotive lubricant Petronas Syntium.
"I can't wait to get into my car. It is different team, a different phase of my life and I want to make most of it."
Aiming to put an emphatic show in the upcoming event, the British driver also wants to tantalise his taste buds on his visit here and wishes to explore the countryside to understand Indian culture better.
"At some stage I want to travel here. I want to see the countryside and want to see more of life here. India is such a big place and it has so much to offer. And I want to some more food, some more restaurants. I am hoping this weekend to try more restaurants with my family and get some delicious food in our bellies," Hamilton said when asked what else he was looking forward to on his India visit.
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel has been in scintillating form this season and looks set to capture the drivers' championship at the October 27 race.
The outspoken Hamilton had created a stir recently when he said that Vettel's dominance had brought about predictability in the outcome of the races, which was boring for the fans.
Though the former McLaren driver had clarified his remarks, he stayed away from commenting on Vettel at the event.
"I don't want to get into the politics anymore. I grew up watching Michael Schumacher era. He was a fabulous driver. Vettel also has been doing very well," said Hamilton when asked to compare the period dominated by the German with Vettel's invincibility.
"People want to see good contest, close races that's what I look to do. All I want to do is race. I just love it. I have grown up doing that and want to continue doing it every time step on to the track," he said.
With four more races left in the F1 season, Hamilton is seeking to put third-placed Mercedes (287) ahead of Ferrari (297) in the Constructors' Championship.
"The experience (with Mercedes) has been fantastic. It has been enjoyable. It was a huge step at the end of last year. It has given me an opportunity to put my skill and knowledge I gained in the last six with a new team.
"Our goal is finish second in the constructor's championships and we are working very hard on it," Hamilton said.
Asked about his inaugural season with the German automaker, Hamilton said: "For us it is just the tyres. If we didn't had issues with the tyres then things would have different because the car is great on both heavy fuel and light fuel. When you have to do 10, 15 or 20 laps and you have 100 per cent of tyre then you have to spend it correctly. And you don't know how much to use and for what time. That's the biggest trick.
"Other cars have a little more down force to look after the rear tyre little bit better so we have to improve the rear end of the car to save the tyre."
On Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's retirement, Hamilton said, "Hats off to him (Tendulkar)... he has achieved so much. We need more and more people like him in sports.
