Lewis Hamilton is confident that he can mount a serious challenge to become the world champion for a second time.

The McLaren driver finished third in last weekend's opening race in Australia, while teammate Jenson Button claimed the victory.

Hamilton believes that McLaren's performance in Melbourne has shown that they will be the team to beat this year.

"I know this is a car I can definitely challenge for the title with," Hamilton said. "Jenson proved it. He had a fantastic race and it's definitely a good start to the year that both of us finished on the podium and in the points.

"We appear to be the team to beat, which is a good sign. The team have been working hard for that. It's definitely the position to be in, and we're strong which is also a good place to be.

"As for me, I definitely do feel as though I've got it in myself to go for the title. I feel as ready as ever. I was ready on Sunday, it's just that some things didn't go my way."

Hamilton was speaking at press conference in Malaysia ahead of Sunday's race.