LONDON, Feb 3 — McLaren's Lewis Hamilton reported back to work in peak condition yesterday after a winter workout high in the Colorado Rockies.

The 2008 world champion had not driven a Formula One car since last November but he returned to the cockpit at Spain's Valencia circuit with a clear sense of optimism about the campaign ahead.

With a new full-time trainer in Finland's Antti Vierula, who has previous experience coaching Olympic athletes, Hamilton said he had gone higher than ever to make sure he started the season fitter and faster than ever.

"It's perfect being at high altitude, it's a lot more hard work so that when you come back down to sea level you really start seeing the benefit," he told reporters after lapping in last year's car.

"I just enjoy it. Waking up in the morning and going hiking up a mountain with clear blue skies: There's no substitute for that . . . it's also good for the soul, good for your spirit, to be in nice beautiful places."

Hamilton said he felt fitter than ever after training two or three times a day.

"I think every year I always approach the same but sometimes your training doesn't go as well, or you are more drained by appearances that you do, or certain things that you do," added the 26-year-old.

 "This year it has been a lot clearer and the training has been a lot better and more efficient. I'm feeling a lot better about the car and I always want it more."

Hamilton will also have his father and former manager Anthony around the paddock more than last year, when they ended their business relationship, since Hamilton senior is now managing British rookie Paul di Resta at Force India.

The McLaren man has yet to appoint a new manager but he said that situation was close to being resolved as well, with clear candidates identified.

His team are due to unveil their new car in Berlin tomorrow, later than their main rivals, who already had theirs on track in Valencia.

Alonso quickest

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, his every move followed by eager fans on home soil, was quickest on the second day of the season's first test in the new F150.

Red Bull's world champion Sebastian Vettel was second on the timing screens on a frustrating day for Australian teammate Mark Webber, who managed only 17 laps late in the afternoon after setup problems.

Venezuelan rookie Pastor Maldonado had his first taste of the new Williams while Team Lotus gave their T128 its track debut, although their running was cut short with a problem with the power steering.

Mexican newcomer Sergio Perez also had his first outing in the new Sauber, completing 42 laps despite long hours in the garage wrestling with various problems.

"It was a difficult day with not much running and we obviously could not complete our program," he said. "But for me it was still good to get my first laps in the new car, and I am beginning to feel confident with it." — Reuters

 

LONDON, Feb 3 — Gary Neville yesterday called an end to a glittering career of devoted service to his beloved Manchester United and England by announcing his immediate retirement.

The 35-year-old right back spent 20 years at United, playing more than 600 matches for the Old Trafford club and helping them win a raft of trophies including the Champions League and eight Premier League titles.

"I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I've ever had," Neville said in a statement on the club website (http://www.mufc.com).

"Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it's knowing when that time is, and for me that time is now."

Neville broke into the United first team in 1992 and was part of a renowned group of players who came through the club's youth scheme including his younger brother Phil, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.

They formed the basis of the team built by manager Alex Ferguson that dominated English football in the 1990s, culminating in the treble-winning season of 1999.

Phil Neville, Beckham and Butt left United but Gary Neville, Giggs and Scholes remained, and Ferguson created another team who won the Champions League again in 2008.

"Gary was the best English right-back of his generation," Ferguson said, praising his presence in the dressing room and leadership qualities.

"He is an example to any young professional, hard-working, loyal and intelligent. As a United fan born and bred, his fantastic career at Old Trafford has cemented his place in the affection of the club's supporters everywhere."

Gary Neville was a fiercely competitive and highly consistent defender who read the game well and created many goals with his ability to cross the ball accurately and with pace.

Born locally, he was known as "Red Nev" and frequently displayed his passion for his club, notably celebrating a goal against United's arch-rivals Liverpool in 2006 with a wild badge-clenching celebration that earned him a fine for improper conduct.

He was appointed United club captain in 2005 and won 85 England caps between 1995 and 2007, helping the national team reach the 1996 European Championship semi-finals.

The end of Neville's career was blighted by injuries, and he struggled to cope with the pace of the Premier League in the few matches he played this season.

His final appearance was against West Bromwich Albion last month, when he joined an exclusive group of players to reach 400 Premier League appearances.

"I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world as well as against them. and I have been lucky to have been part of the team's achievements and the club's great success," Neville said. — Reuters