Hamilton put his earlier doubts about the challenge of Baku behind him as he dominated both practice sessions on Friday.

He finished just under 0.7s ahead of teammate Nico Rosberg in FP2.

Hamilton also had more off track incidents than most of his colleagues as he explored the limits, even brushing the wall at Turn 3 in the first session.

"It's very similar to Valencia in many ways, but then the better part being that it's a combination of corners like Monaco, where you're really having to attack these braking zones and commit to corners with barriers at the exits.

"We're doing 220mph down the main straight. You definitely have your heart in mouth. It's a real challenge so far to be on the limit, but I'm feeling pretty much at home."

"Configuration-wise, it's not massively challenging, but it's like a big balls track, you need balls through here, just like in Monaco."

Hamilton does not expect to see so many driver errors tomorrow.

"We're all learning, when you get a new track you take it one step at a time but as quick as you can. When you trip up, you get back on, and you keep going.

"That's just how a new circuit is, particularly on a street circuit. Everyone is trying to get up to speed as quick as possible. Everyone's probably learned the track now, so we'll see less of it."

Unhappy with pressures

He made it clear that he's not happy with the high tyre pressure mandated by Pirelli for this event.

"It's strange coming here this weekend, we have a new record in tyre pressures, so they were obviously worried coming here this weekend.

"They pumped up the rears to 22psi, which is the highest we've ever had for any tyre, which is ridiculous. As long as there are no blow-ups, we'll do what we can with that."

Dig at rivals

Hamilton also had a little dig at some of his fellow drivers when asked if he had any safety concerns prior to attending the drivers' briefing.

"One thing for sure, these drivers they moan so much about so many damn things...

"It's really bumpy down the main straight, and you can't really see Turn 1 that well, because the car's vibrating, so it's really hard.

"But that's part of racing. But these guys want it to be smooth, smoother than ever, no vibrations, and no bumps, they want to take all the character and life out of these tracks.

"This has bumps but I guarantee that there will be some people who say those things, but I'll just sit there and smile."