Lewis Hamilton believes this weekend's French Grand Prix will be "spiced up" by his 10-place grid penalty.
The 23-year-old was handed the penalty for the race at Magny-Cours after his gaffe in Montreal 11 days ago, when he crashed into the back of Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari in the pit lane at 30mph.
Despite starting from what will be the lowest grid position of his F1 career, Hamilton's optimism has not taken a dent, unlike his car in Canada.
"I don't think I have any less pressure this weekend," said Hamilton, who along with Felipe Massa is four points adrift of championship leader Robert Kubica, and three clear of Raikkonen.
"At the back (of the grid) I think there's more work for me to do. Considering we're all so close in the championship, I guess it spices it up a bit, if that's what they want.
"It's going to be harder coming from the back, but I don't have any doubts or any worries.
"I think we're going to have a very strong package this weekend and I think the car will be as good, if not better, than it was in the last race.
"With that pace, and as long as we stay out of trouble, we should be able to score some good points."
However, Hamilton has revised his earlier victory goal, adding: "I'm obviously always aiming to win.
"But realistically I think we just have to try and aim for a podium finish if possible.
"Even that is going to be very, very tough because we're all very close and there are now quite a few teams that are very competitive.
"This is also not the easiest track on which to overtake, so I'll keep my fingers crossed and do the best job I can, and I hope we can push and finish in the top five."
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