Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton wins his first race of the season... in a kayak
Lewis Hamilton has already had a taste of victory in Australia — by winning a kayak race.
The McLaren Formula One star beat Aussie football players Adam Simpson and Luke Power to the finish line during sponsor Vodafone's promotional event at Williamstown Beach in Melbourne today.
Perhaps it was a good omen for what the 23-year-old hopes will be a triumphant season when the Grand Prix starts on Sunday.
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Number One: Lewis Hamilton wins another race... this time in a kayak
Hamilton, who narrowly missed the number one title last year, is confident he and his teammates Heikki Kovalainen, Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett will do better this time round.
"It is the plan," he said. "We have been working very hard through the winter, making sure the training is better and preparing the new car.
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Photo finish: Hamilton won the challenge in Australia ahead of the Melbourne Grand Prix
"Seeing the evolution of last year's car, seeing the input of myself, Heikki , Pedro and Gary, and seeing how we can help push the team forward is, I think, really special.
"It is a great experience and I feel we have an even better opportunity this weekend than we did last year at this time.
"So heading into this weekend I feel a bit more positive."
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Shower: The ace is showered in champagne F1 style following the Vodafone challenge
Hamilton, from Stevenage, Herts, who had the greatest Formula One debut in history last year, said he had not expected to win a race in his first season.
Recalling his debut at the Australian Grand Prix a year ago, when he came third, he said: "I wasn't really nervous, but everyone expected me to fail."
He said it was "great" to be back in Melbourne, adding: "We had a fantastic season last year, but the possibilities are even greater in 2008."
Oarsome: Hamilton enjoys meeting two models at Williamstown beach
