Lewis Hamilton’s exciting assault on the Formula One World Championship has boosted viewing figures for ITV. Almost all of the ratings are higher for the first seven races in 2007 compared with the equivalent grands prix in 2006.

ITV had a peak of 7.7 million for the Canadian Grand Prix, compared with 5.4 million for the same race last season, and 7.3 million for the United States Grand Prix compared with 5.4 million in 2006. Last year, the events were held slightly later in the year.

The Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix, which were held on similar dates in both seasons, attracted an extra million viewers compared with 2006.

However, Kevin Alavy, the head of analytics at Initiative Sports Futures, which collates international figures, said: “We are still examining all the data, but we have not heard anecdotally of any other significant increase in viewing around the world.”

Motor-racing enthusiasts will be able to see Hamilton in action when he takes part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Sunday. The crowd has been limited to 50,000 for safety and comfort.