LEWIS HAMILTON says he learned a vital lesson by curbing his racing instincts in last week’s Singapore Grand Prix.

Brit Hamilton, 23, settled for third instead of risking all for victory.

He said: “I think I learned something when I was behind David Coulthard in Singapore.

“Previously, you’d tell yourself to be consistent and avoid any unnecessary mistakes - but it’s one thing saying it and another to do it.

“Once you get in the car it can be hard to stop the instincts you have been developing since you were eight years old.

“But I actually think Singapore was a good learning experience.

“There was less pressure to achieve a victory because of the unusual circumstances, which meant I was actually able to start thinking of the world championship.

“I hate driving for points but I think we can all see the benefit of that approach at the moment.”

SEBASTIEN LOEB, of France, leads Rally Spain by 15.8sec after the first leg yesterday.