McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton in Monaco Grand Prix practice [Picture courtesy of www.mclaren.com]

DRIVING around the narrow, barrier-lined Monaco Grand Prix circuit is a massive thrill for McLaren Mercedes hero Lewis Hamilton.

The Herts-born Formula 1 driver goes in Monaco GP qualifying tomorrow (Saturday) lunchtime admitting the famous Monte Carlo street circuit sets his heart racing.

Hamilton won in Monaco in 2008, but was only seventh in both of Thursday’s free practice sessions around the tight and twisty track through the glitzy Principality.

Due to the close proximity of the track’s metal barriers, overtaking is extremely difficult around the most glamourous venue on the F1 calendar.

Despite being slower than the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso, Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and the Mercedes cars of Nico Robserg and Michael Schumacher, Hamilton still got a buzz from driving close to the edge in practice.

He said: “Obviously, we weren’t at the top of the timesheets, but I’ve really been enjoying driving around here today [Thursday].

“When you’re at Monaco, things just seem to happen so much faster than normal – it feels two or three times quicker than at other circuits.

“You’re always on the edge, and if you brake just a little bit too late, then you’ll be in the barrier. It’s an incredible feeling.”

After crashing at Mirabeau in qualifying last year, Hamilton was much happier with his McLaren in practice on Thursday.

Hamilton said: “This year’s car just feels fantastic – it’s light years ahead of last year’s car.

“And we made some good steps forward with the set-up. Of course, everyone at the front of the grid is looking pretty competitive, but I think we should be okay.”

Reigning F1 world champion Button won in Monaco 12 months ago. However, he was only eighth and ninth fastest in yesterday’s first two practice sessions.

Hamilton’s team-mate said: “Overall, the Ferrari looks very quick, and I’m pretty sure Red Bull are hiding their pace.

“But it’s the normal cars up at the front, and I’m sure we’ll get a better idea on Saturday morning.

“McLaren always produces a good car around Monaco, they’ve won 15 times around here – more than anyone else – so hopefully we can do well on Saturday.”

Qualifying is at 1pm British time tomorrow (Saturday) with the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix – the jewel in F1’s crown – starting 24 hours later.