LEWIS HAMILTON is hoping to fly the flag at this year's British Grand Prix and become the first home-grown winner of the event since 2000.

The Northamptonshire circuit is fast approaching a sell-out as the 22-year-old rookie's exploits have captured the imagination.

Back-to-back victories in Canada and the US have given Hamilton a 10-point cushion in the drivers' standings over McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Regardless of the outcome of the French Grand Prix in nine days' time, Hamilton is guaranteed to be heading into the Silverstone race on July 8 with the lead.

That will only help the patriotic fervour at the circuit, which Hamilton believes can spur him on to victory.

"I didn't know there had not been a British driver win for seven years," remarked Hamilton of David Coulthard's success at that time with McLaren.

"But then at Indianapolis a British driver had not won there for 20-odd years, and I changed that.

"I know I'm extremely excited to be going to Silverstone. Over the first seven races, there have been more and more British flags out there - a lot more support - and it's building all the time.

"In GP2 at Silverstone last year, I had quite a lot of support, so I don't know what to expect this year.

"I'm sure there are going to be a lot of people, and I hope I can get the result they all want."