Toiling Lewis Hamilton has an ally in Le Mans star

Ask Allan McNish if he sympathises with Lewis Hamilton, who has been relegated to the role of also-ran in his McLaren this season, and he offers a wry smile.

"Lewis is finding out just how fickle Formula One can be," said the Scot, who this weekend will seek a third victory in the classic Le Mans 24-hour race.

"One day you're a hero, the next you're a zero. Ask Lewis right now if what he's doing is really fun or just a job. Whatever he replies, if you look deep into his eyes I don't think you'd find much fun there."

McNish has been having fun since returning to sports car racing in 2004 after an unsuccessful season with Toyota in Formula One. "I'm enjoying my driving and especially winning," said the 39-year-old.

In five years with Audi, McNish has won three American Le Mans Championship titles, claimed a second Le Mans 24-hour victory last June and this year drove to a third win in the Sebring 12-hour race in Florida.

This weekend, McNish (below, in his new Audi R15) and his team-mates, Dane Tom Kristensen Italian driver Rinaldo Capello, will start as favourites.

Adding a touch of racing romance will be the new Aston Martin challenge looking to put a mark on the 50th anniversary of the iconic British brand's first win at Le Mans.

McNish said: "Aston Martin are not dark horses, they are not coming to make up the numbers."