Lewis Hamilton has unfinished business at Spa

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton said he has unfinished business to take care of in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver took a thrilling victory at the Spa circuit last year on his way to the title but was then demoted to third place after a chicane-cutting controversy.

The previous year he had finished fourth on a weekend overshadowed by McLaren being stripped of all their constructors' points for having Ferrari data in their possession.

"I hope it is third time lucky. That's a good way to look at it, I think, especially as we have come off two very good race weekends," said Hamilton, who was fastest in Friday's free practice.

"I always seem to go quite well here, even though this circuit is seriously high downforce so you need to have a good package beneath you.

"I don't think we have had the best, especially for high speed corners, but bit by bit we are making improvements," added the 24-year-old, who won in Hungary last month and finished second in Valencia last weekend.

"If we are able to get the balance throughout the weekend then hopefully we will be able to challenge for another podium. 

"I definitely want to get that win here. I felt like I won it last year and it would feel good to get that win here," he said.

Hamilton started the season with a car so uncompetitive that McLaren immediately ruled out being able to challenge for victories. The champion has long given up on any hope of defending his crown.

However the Mercedes-powered team have made huge strides over the months since the Australian season-opener in March, allowing Hamilton to hope for another strong performance at one of Formula One's great tracks.

Hamilton also has the benefit of the KERS energy recovery system which gives his car a brief boost of power at the push of a button.

"This is one of my favourite circuits and one of the best circuits in the world," said the Briton. "You look forward to certain races in the year and this is one of them. This is a serious circuit.

"It is serious high speed, very long. I have always said that it is one of those circuits where you actually feel you are going somewhere as you go up through the woods."