Lewis, are you looking forward to racing with proper slick tyres, and as one of the ‘newer' drivers do you think your more recent experience in GP2 with slick tyres will be an advantage over some of the other drivers?
"Of course I am looking forward to racing with the new slick Bridgestone tyres, everyone is in the same boat, we have had limited testing, limited running on these tyres, so what I have found so far is that they have a smaller operating window, with regards temperature, so we are spending some time getting used to that. But I am sure they will offer some very good and exciting entertainment. The tyres are completely different to GP2 so it won't make any difference."
How do you cope with all the travelling during the season - are you good at living out of a suitcase, and what's your 1 ‘must have' thing you always take with you?
"Although it is one of the greatest things getting to travel round the world and see lots of great things, I love travelling to the far away races, because I do it less. It is very, very hard work, you need to be fit, make sure you rest a lot, get plenty of sleep, eat good food. But I am quite good at living out of my suitcase as this has been my life for some time now. I am good at packing my bag, it is all very neatly done, and the thing I can't go without is my MP3 player and my blackberry. "
Do you still get excited as the new season approaches?
"I am even more excited this year than I have been before. I'm very keen to get back to the racing. With such a great year last year, to go and try and do better, be better than last year is such as great challenge. I can't wait!"
Would you still like to go back to the BBC Top Gear track to re-do your lap in good conditions?
"I would definitely love to go back to Top Gear and go on a day when the weather is better, the track is dry, a clear blue sky, sunny day. Most importantly just to have fun."
What rule changes for 2009 do you feel your driving style can exploit the most?
"I think one of my main strengths will hopefully be understanding the tyres and making the most of them."
What music do you listen too if you want to chill out?
"Bob Marley, other reggae, R&B, hip hop. Some to remind of the past, some to enjoy the moment, some to make you feel you are on a beach in the Caribbean."
If you had a superpower what would it be?
"Man, this is a tough one... to stop time would be cool, although I don't know what you would actually do with that! People always say to fly, but where would you put your bags..."
What's your earliest memory?
"One of my earliest memories is my dad teaching me how to ride a bike at the bottom of the hill where we used to live, the bit I remember most is crashing into the wall and scraping my hand."
You're obviously very competitive. What's the most trivial thing you've competed over?
"Paper, scissor, rock with my brother. We go on forever. "
Best holiday?
"Family holiday to Grenada in 2006."
What's the first thing you turn to or do at the end of the season that your not allowed during it?
"Eat lots of sweets!"
