'Winning in Budapest has really given me extra strength. I know I now have a car beneath me that can push us to the front and I want to be ready to deliver,' Hamilton said.

With Ferrari yet to top the podium this season, and Schumacher not being allowed to test drive the 2009 Ferrari which has many changes compared to the 2006 model, Hamilton sees himself ahead of Schumacher in Valencia.

'It would be unfair to say that I'll be excited if I finish ahead of him in Valencia because it is his first race of the season,' he said.

Hamilton also stressed that Schumacher was only back to drive the Ferrari until the return of the 2008 runner-up Massa, who is recovering in his native Brazil from the Budapest crash.

'My thoughts are still with Felipe and his family following his terrible accident ... I know first-hand how much fighting spirit Felipe has because we had a fantastic battle for the championship last year. He was a total gentleman throughout.

'I want Felipe to know we're all waiting for him; Michael might be keeping his seat warm, but I'm sure he'll be back soon,' said Hamilton.