North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/23/2012 -- Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton looked refreshed, focused and ready for his 2012 Formula 1™ season in Sydney this morning, as he displayed his superb go-karting skills challenging a group of Vodafone customers to an unforgettable go-kart challenge.

Ahead of this weekend’s race, Lewis Hamilton made a quick pit stop at Eastern Creek, Sydney, to give a lucky group of Vodafone customers the chance to pit their go-kart skills against him and battle it out for the Ultimate F1™ experience- a chance to race their way into the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team for the 2012 Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix. The unrivalled prize included two VIP tickets to the race, exclusive access to the Vodafone McLaren Garage including a pit-stop practice, plus travel and accommodation, courtesy of Vodafone.

The 3.93km road race circuit was a nice appetiser to the main course for Hamilton as he displayed the driving skills and flair that make the Brit one of the most exciting racing driver’s on the F1™ circuit today. Clocking up a lap time of just 46.4 seconds, he was always going to be the one to beat and Brett Freeman of Pyrmont came closest with a dazzling 49.5 second lap. Vodafone awarded the unrivalled F1 experience to Brett for his outstanding efforts.

The former World Champion, like many aspiring Formula 1™ drivers was drawn to the thrill of driving go-karts at the age of eight and quickly began winning races. Lewis is renowned for having approached McLaren F1™ team boss Ron Dennis just two years later for an autograph whilst declaring he wanted to race for him one day. And race for him, he is.

Lewis Hamilton commented: “It’s great to be back in Australia for the start of the 2012 Formula 1™ season. I’m excited about getting to Melbourne to begin final preparations before the Australian Grand Prix but I couldn’t resist the chance of having a few hot laps with Vodafone customers.”

Hamilton continued, “I was really impressed at the lap time Brett clocked and I’ve no doubt this weekend will be a memorable experience for him when he joins us in the garage for the race.”

Noel Hamill, Director Marketing and Sales, Vodafone commented, “It’s fantastic to see Lewis back on Australian soil and what a remarkable opportunity to be able to offer some of our Vodafone customers - the chance to race the Formula 1™ living legend. It’s been a great day and we’re really pleased for our winner Brett Freeman and look forward to welcoming him into the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team garage at this weekend’s race in Melbourne.”

Vodafone is the title sponsor of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. Watch Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in action at the 2012 Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix, 16-18 March, 2012.