London, Nov. 2 : Lewis Hamilton has said that he will relish a renewal of motor racing hostilities this weekend against Fernando Alonso, the man with whom he fought a bitter in-team battle on and off the track.

Alonso, who quit McLaren after just one season in disgust at not being given No1 status over rookie Hamilton, has a 21-point lead on him as they go into the penultimate grand prix this weekend.

After coming second to Alonso in Korea last week, Hamilton is hoping he will be close enough again in Sao Paulo to prevent the Ferrari driver clinching the championship.

At a karting event in Milton Keynes that was organised by Vodafone VIP before he flew to Sao Paulo, Hamilton was asked if he had a favourite driver to race against.

“Fernando,” came the emphatic reply.

“Partly because of our history. He was two-time world champion when I was the rookie and it was great racing him. And he’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever competed against,” the Daily Express quoted Hamilton, as saying.

He further added: “I’ve not had the chance to have races with too many people. I’ve not had any battles with Jenson Button this year and we have been dying to have one.”

Hamilton is on 210 points in third place in the title race with Red Bull’s Mark Webber on 220 and Alonso on 231.

It was in Brazil that Hamilton clinched his title two years ago. (ANI)