Hamilton confident McLaren can match Red Bull in Valencia

(PA)

Lewis Hamilton goes to Valencia this weekend aware that, while he cannot win the world championship this year, his performances from now on could influence its outcome.

The surprise victor in Hungary at the end of July, before F1 went into its summer break, he could be the spoiler that takes points from title contenders Jenson Button of Brawn, and Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull.

"We know we are on track to compete for more wins and definitely to compete at the front of the grid a lot more often," Hamilton said. "Our aim now is to win as many races as we can."

The 2008 champion believes that McLaren's KERS energy recovery system will be a major asset. "As our car gets better KERS is going to become more and more valuable," he said. "I think we are now just as fast as Red Bull".

Lewis Hamilton looks ahead to this weekend's European Grand Prix