Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes ace details Monaco Grand Prix hopes after testing

The Mercedes man earned his second successive win of the 2018 season at the weekend as he continues to move closer towards his best form.

The 33-year-old earned an emphatic triumph at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, finishing over 20 seconds ahead of second-placed team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

But Hamilton was back on the track at the Circuit de Catalunya in the first of a two-day in-season test yesterday.

He only ran sixth quickest but completed more laps than any other driver with 151 and used the hardest compound tyre of any team by running on mediums.

The testing allowed Mercedes to further understand Pirelli’s tyres and evaluate development parts as they seek to kick on from a below-par start before Azerbaijan and Spain - where Hamilton won both races.

"It was a good day and a relatively interesting test, I'm glad we did it," Hamilton told Mercedes’ official website, reflecting on testing.

"We got through a large programme and did 151 laps which is a good sign of reliability.

"I'm looking forward to Monaco. Hopefully we can take some of the things we've learned onto there."

Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin explained: “Our focus has been further understanding the car and tyres.

“We were able to step through a large programme of set-up items, so Lewis has been able to get a good feel for the effect of these changes.

“Hopefully that will help us get the most out of the car at the upcoming races.”

Hamilton has only ever won three times in Monaco. He finished seventh in 2017 after qualifying in a dismal 14th.