Lewis Hamilton out to take Red Bull Ring by the horns
Mercedes driver doesn't know the track but is desperate to close gap on teammate and rival Rosberg after a second retirement last time out
Lewis Hamilton is ready to take an unfamiliar bull by the horns this weekend as Austria's revamped Red Bull Ring returns to the Formula One calendar after an 11-year absence.
The Mercedes driver, a teenager when Austria last hosted a grand prix in 2003, needs to win at Spielberg to rein in championship-leading teammate Nico Rosberg after the blow of retirement in Canada 10 days ago.
"I've never driven the circuit but I've been working on it in the simulator and I'm sure I'll learn it pretty quickly when we get out on the track," the 2008 world champion said in a team preview.
I'm feeling good in the car right now and I'll be pushing flat out to come away with maximum points this time around
"It's always exciting to go to a new venue, so it should be an interesting weekend. I'm feeling good in the car right now and I'll be pushing flat out to come away with maximum points this time around."
With Rosberg finishing first or second in every race so far this season, while Hamilton has retired twice, the German now has a 22-point lead as the championship arrives at Red Bull's home track for the eighth race of 19 this year.
Hamilton may have to win another four races in a row, as he did earlier in the year, just to regain the upper hand if Rosberg keeps the same consistency.
"There is a long, long way to go. I caught up before and I'll catch up again," said the Briton, who started the season with a retirement in Australia that left him 25 points adrift.
"It's going to take another four wins to make the difference so I'm going to do my best to get those results."