Chance now for Hamilton

Formula One stalwart hoping for podium glory in Monaco

Formula One stalwart hoping for podium glory in Monaco

Will Monaco, the greatest event on the Formula One calendar, bring back lost glory for defending world champion Lewis Hamilton?

Lewis Hamilton at the Monaco racetrack on Thursday.

The 24-year-old won the Monaco Grand Prix last year on his way to the title.

However, the Englishman's title defence has faded in the face of stiff competition from compatriot Jenson Button, who has surged ahead in the championship race in a Brawn GP car.

Rubens Barrichello was fastest in the first practice session around the tight and twisty Monte Carlo circuit on Friday.

The Brawn GP star was followed by Ferrari's Felipe Massa with Hamilton in third.

Before tomorrow's race Hamilton has nine points in the drivers championship, compared to the 41 won by Button. But Hamilton is not giving up hope.

"It hasn't been a great start to the year, but everyone knows that. It's been very, very tough. As we get more into the season it's getting more exciting for us.

"You may not see it so much from the outside, but we've made huge steps forwards even if not so huge here because of the type of circuit it is.

But we've made some great steps. That's the exciting thing."