AN historic Grand Prix career could be on the cards for a former Stevenage race ace. Lewis Hamilton, now based in Tewin, was still waiting this week on McLaren to reveal its plans for the 2007 Formula One season. The team is remaining tight-lipped on who

AN historic Grand Prix career could be on the cards for a former Stevenage race ace.

Lewis Hamilton, now based in Tewin, was still waiting this week on McLaren to reveal its plans for the 2007 Formula One season.

The team is remaining tight-lipped on who will partner current world champion Fernando Alonso next year - saying only that plans will be announced "in due course".

In pole position is 21-year-old Hamilton, who would become the first black driver to compete in F1's 56-year history.

It has been a busy month for Hamilton after celebrating championship success in GP2, the feeder series to F1.

He recently got the chance to don his own overalls and try out McLaren's Mercedes-Benz F1 car during testing at Silverstone.

Hamilton described the experience as "living the dream".

Speaking to www.mclaren.com, he said: "The feeling when I went out the first time was amazing. I was in my own suit, helmet and seat.

"Every time they started the car I just couldn't help smiling. I tried to be serious but I just had this big grin on my face.

"When you pull out of the garage for the first time it's a feeling I will treasure, particularly as I know it will slowly fade as I become more familiar.

"I'm just living my dream at the moment. The opportunity to drive the McLaren F1 car just tops everything."

Motor racing has played a significant part in his life so far.

His father Anthony bought him a go-kart when he was eight, having seen his skills with a remote control car.

After a number of go-kart titles, he was snapped up by McLaren group chairman and chief executive officer Ron Dennis at the tender age of only 13.

He signed for the team's young driver support programme, and continued to progress through the go-karting ranks, picking up various international championships and accolades along the way.

Hamilton then stepped up to the British Formula Renault Championship, and then on to the Formula 3 Euro Series.

Needless to say he tasted triumph in both before this year's GP2 success.

Dennis said: "McLaren and Mercedes-Benz's ongoing involvement in Lewis' career began in 1998 and he is getting better every day.

"Lewis has an exceptional talent, and his overall performance during the season gives you a definite sense of pride and satisfaction.