Hamilton: MotoGP ride a dream

Lewis Hamilton says he is moving ever closer to his dream of riding a MotoGP bike, having paid a visit to the series' season-opening race in Qatar. Hamilton spent time with new team SRT during practice and qualifying thanks to mutual sponsors of the team and Mercedes' F1 outfit.

Five-time F1 world champion Hamilton has made little secret of his passion for two-wheeled action and spent time testing World Superbike machinery last year.

Amid reports of a ride swap with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi this year, Hamilton's presence in the Qatar paddock was certainly timely.

And the reigning F1 champion confirmed that a sample of MotoGP is right at the top of his wish list.

Hamilton told MotoGP's official website: "100 per cent I'm going to ride one, I'm building up to it.

"I need more days firstly because I've only had two-and-a-half days [on a bike] on the track, but eventually I'd love to try a MotoGP bike. That's the dream.

"I watch it every weekend it's on. Even when I'm on a grand prix weekend, I'm jumping out of my meetings before and after [F1] qualifying so I can watch the qualifying here."

One benefit of Hamilton's trip to the MotoGP paddock is a direct line to SRT, who the Brit says can expect a bombardment of requests.

"I have a permanent pass now, which I'm really grateful for," he added.

"And now I can nag Petronas to give me a ride on their bikes, any time I want pretty much!"

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