Although Hamilton is a winner of the Japanese Grand Prix, having triumphed at the Fuji Speedway during his maiden 2007 campaign, he has only stepped onto the Suzuka rostrum once, finishing third in 2009.

Hamilton approaches the race with a three-point title lead over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.

"I've never won at this circuit and have only made the podium once, on my first visit," said Hamilton.

"I've had a couple of chances and last season was probably the best of those. This year, though, we have an exceptional car and I'm really hoping I'll finally have my shot at the top step. All the greats of Formula 1 have won at Suzuka since the sport first came there in the 1980s and I'm determined to add my name to that list."

Hamilton says he is confident of enjoying a "straight battle" with Rosberg over the final five rounds of the campaign, despite Rosberg being forced out of the Singapore Grand Prix with another technical issue.

"It was disappointing for the team to have another retirement but I know they have made this a priority moving forwards," the 2008 World Champion commented. "It's levelled things up in the Drivers' Championship, so hopefully we'll now have a straight battle right to the flag [at the final round of the season] in Abu Dhabi."