Hamilton confident he can overcome grid penalty and triumph in France

Lewis Hamilton during the Go Motorsport Launch at McLaren Technology Centre, Woking

The McLaren star was left red-faced after crashing into the back of title rival Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari at the end of the pit lane.

Trundling along at 30mph, Hamilton failed to spot Raikkonen and eventual race
winner Robert Kubica had stopped for a red light.

The McLaren star braked too late, and was unable to avoid hitting Raikkonen,
resulting in an early retirement for both drivers.

The penalty handed down by the stewards at Montreal means even if Hamilton sets
the fastest time in qualifying in France, he will still start outside the top 10 for the first time in his Formula One career.

Yet, despite Magny-Cours being a track where it is difficult to overtake, Hamilton said: "For sure, it's going to be tough, and we know we are already on the back foot.

"But knowing the pace and momentum we had in Canada, it just shows anything
can happen. I feel quite confident we can still win there - that's my job. I have to have
that belief in myself and the team."

Hamilton, speaking at the launch of the 'Go Motorsport' campaign at the McLaren
Technology Centre in Woking, later tempered his enthusiasm - if only slightly.

"The key is to score points, and we obviously need to score as many as we can," he added. "I still feel we can finish in the top three, but it's going to be a real challenge.

"Going on to Silverstone (British Grand Prix), we don't want any 10-place penalties for that! It's my home grand prix, and it would be very special for us to win it."

Although Hamilton looked foolish in Canada, particularly after he had laughed at father Anthony earlier in the week for pranging his £330,000 Porsche Carrera GT into a hedge, the 23-year-old adopted a philosophical approach.

"It was nowhere near one of my lowest points," responded Hamilton when pressed on the matter. "I don't even particularly feel it was a low point - it was one of those things you just have to come to terms with and move on. In the race, I was on top of my game."

After failing to score points for the second time in five races this season, Hamilton trails Kubica by four points in the title race. Like last year, Hamilton is anticipating a close-fought fight to the finish - but with the hope it does not again go to the wire.

"I believe the title is going to be very difficult to win, but I don't plan on it going to the last race," remarked Hamilton. "We will push as hard as we can to do the job, and it doesn't matter if it is early or the last race, just so long as we get it done."

The 'Go Motorsport' campaign is designed to lure people from all walks of life into becoming involved in motor racing at any level, either as a competitor, official, trackside marshal or spectator.

The Motor Sports Association, the governing body of motor sport in the UK, is funding the £250,000 project, although further financial support is expected from organisations and individuals.

With Jenson Button, David Coulthard and Sir Frank Williams, among others, also
behind the project, Hamilton added: "While Formula One is the pinnacle, there are many other classes of motor sport of which people are not aware.

"They don't realise there is such a depth and variety to the sport - particularly in the UK. I am happy to see an initiative such as 'Go Motorsport' raising awareness of the thousands of events around the country and showing people there is something for all tastes, ages and budgets."