New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS): Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button said Thursday they want to win the inaugural Indian Grand Prix so that they can make a strong start next season.
With three races left, Red Bull have already assured themselves of the championship title as they have 558 points while second placed McLaren Mercedes have 418 points.
The British drivers, both former World Champions, said they want to make the most of the last three races and hope to make a strong start in 2012.
"Red Bull has already won the championship this year but we were pretty close to them. We would be looking at winning the last couple of races so that in the next season we can have a good base," said Hamilton.
"We are working very hard and always pushing ourselves. We are the second best team in the last two years. I hope we would be able do well in the last few races. We are looking to win here as well," he added.
Button said it was important for McLaren-Mercedes to finish the season on a high.
"There is no reason why we can't take the fight to Red Bull. We've matched them at the last few races and I hope that trend continues until the end of the year. Although the world titles are settled, we're incredibly motivated to win every race and if you win a Grand Prix in F1, you know you've done a great job. That's what we're aiming for in India," said Button.
Hamilton, a 2008 World Champion, said he was quite surprised with the hype around the inaugural Formula One race in the country.
"Cricket is the most popular sport in this country as the team has done well but I don't think we ever expected there to be such a great following from Formula One fans, and now I am sure that even F1 will achieve that kind of a popularity," Hamilton said.
Button said the presence of Force India and Narain Karthikeyan, who will be driving for Hispania, should attract fans.
"Formula One has been a hit in some venues where there is no local connection. But here we have Force India and Narain Karthikeyan and I think these two local connections are enough to popularise the sport," he said.