Hamilton ready to go steady for title

By Timothy Collings

VALENCIA, Spain (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton has hinted he is willing to go steady in Sunday's European Grand Prix as he bids to win the Formula One world title.

Hamilton will look to extend his five-point lead over Ferrari's world champion Kimi Raikkonen in the drivers' standings when they race on Valencia's new 5.44 km street circuit.

With a terrific personal record on all street tracks from Monaco to Macau, the 23-year-old knows he could lead his McLaren Mercedes team to a fourth successive victory. However, he is also aware of how points can slip through a driver's fingers.

Having missed out on a personal hat-trick at the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this month, Hamilton was relieved to see team mate Heikki Kovalainen claim victory when Felipe Massa's Ferrari suffered engine failure while leading with three laps to go.

"That made it really clear to us all how important it is to finish races and to pick up good points," Hamilton said in a team preview.

"So, much as I want to win in Valencia, I know the most important thing is to score well because the big picture is the championship and not just one race."

Hamilton picked up a puncture in Hungary and eventually finished fifth.

Kovalainen, buoyed by his victory, now believes he can run at the front again as McLaren try to see off the challenge from Ferrari duo Massa and Raikkonen.