Prodigious Formula 1 talent Lewis Hamilton is looking to enhance his reputation still further this weekend with a win in Barcelona.

The 22-year-old Englishman has been on the podium in all three of this season’s races but he is still awaiting his first victory. Formula 1 legend Alain Prost has expressed reservations about Hamilton’s ability to go all the way this year, but the Hertfordshire-born driver is convinced he has what it takes.

“I never go racing with expectations, I go with a target – to be at the front – and the ultimate aim is to win, which is the mentality with which I have always gone racing,” he said.

“You have to have the belief that you can succeed to ensure you have the commitment; that’s true for anything in any walk of life.”

Hamilton also praised his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes vehicle, which he insists is “one of the leading cars” on the circuit.

Questioned on whether or not he can emerge victorious in Spain this weekend, the self-assured driver simply responded: “Yes.”

He added: “I don’t want that to come across as a cocky answer, it’s just how I feel.”

Strong challenges are like to come from Alonso – driving in front of his home crowd – and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikonnen, who is tied with the two McLaren drivers at the top of the drivers’ table.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes are currently leading the constructors’ standings with 44 points, five points more than Ferrari and well ahead of third-place BMW.