Hamilton predicts McLaren F1 title win

By Alan Baldwin

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium (Reuters) - McLaren are looking good for the Formula One title even if Ferrari prove too strong in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday.

"On the tracks with the long straights they always seem to have a slight advantage than we generally do, but I think it will balance out," McLaren's 23-year-old championship leader told reporters.

"Here they will be strong like they were last year," added Hamilton, who is six points clear of Ferrari's Felipe Massa with six races remaining.

"But we have made a step forward with our car and we should be able to challenge them this weekend. Last year we weren't in a position to do so."

Ferrari, champions last year after McLaren were stripped of all their points and fined $100 million (56 million pounds) for having the Italian team's technical data in their possession, are eight points ahead in the constructors' standings.

Ferrari won last year in Belgium, the longest circuit on the calendar, while McLaren triumphed in Italy and Japan before their rivals were again victorious in China and Brazil.

Singapore, scheduled as Formula One's first night race later this month, is new to the championship.

"I think in Monza they will probably be a lot quicker than they were last year, but still I think we will have the upper hand," said Hamilton.