Monaco practice revives Hamilton's hopes

By Alan Baldwin

MONACO (Reuters) - Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton had the glimmer of hope in his eyes on Thursday after reviving memories of last year's glory in Monaco Grand Prix practice.

The 24-year-old, who won in the Mediterranean principality last year but has struggled with an under-performing McLaren in the first five races of 2009, was third fastest in the morning session and second in the afternoon.

Hamilton's best time of one minute 15.445 seconds after lunch was the day's second fastest, beaten only by Williams's Nico Rosberg in 1:15.243, and McLaren were constantly among the leaders.

"It's definitely exciting to be back again," Hamilton told reporters. "We didn't really know what to expect, but after this morning and afternoon we genuinely do have quite good pace.

"I've really enjoyed today. It's reminded me of how much I love the sport, how much I love the driving. It's really driving, kind of back-to-your roots street racing. It's fantastic."

The 23-year-old Rosberg, son of former champion Keke, has now been quickest in nine of the 17 practice sessions so far this year while failing to translate that promise into anything higher than sixth place on race day.

BARRICHELLO QUICK

"The word 'showboating' perhaps (comes to mind)," Frank Williams told a news conference later. "A bit too much of that probably. Formula One always finds out the truth pretty quickly.