Formula One News » Vettel insists title still on, but RBR faces more rivals at Monza Posted on 07/09/2010
He may have slipped 31 points off the championship lead after failing to score in an error-strewn Belgian Grand Prix, but Sebastian Vettel maintains that he can still take a first world title this season.
The German not only punted title rival Jenson Button out of the race at Spa-Francorchamps, for which he earned a drive-thru’ penalty, but also suffered a puncture after clipping Tonio Liuzzi’s front wing, and finished only 15th while championship leaders Lewis Hamilton and Mark Webber finished first and second.
The British motorsport press carried a story questioning whether Vettel had what it took to take the title – a point the great and good had been quizzed on in the immediate aftermath of not only Belgium, but also the momentary lapse of concentration that cost him victory in Hungary – but the German insists that he can still become the youngest ever champion by claiming this year’s crown.
“I know how good we are,” he told the German media, “I will take the title. Someone who has the most pole positions must think that way.
“These [first] 13 races have not run completely smoothly, but I’m only 31 points behind. Assuming we maintain our speed, we can catch up quickly. We are a team and, although we have had big problems, we have still scored many points.
“In the end, it makes you a better driver – but I’m also someone who can put things in the past and look ahead when the next morning comes.”
Vettel also admitted to Auto Bild that it was his own fault that he trailed by so much, having failed to convert his qualifying superiority in to victories.
“In Hungary, I slept during the safety car and made a mistake, and [it was the same] again when I lost the car when overtaking Jenson [in Belgium],” he said, “But I am open and honest enough to admit that, [even though] I’m not proud of it.”
The 23-year old apparently telephoned Button to apologise, in person, for the accident that dented both their championship chances at Spa, but will harbour hopes that the outcome of Wednesday’s FIA hearing into Ferrari’s latest ‘team orders’ furore will hand him an additional ten points in his quest for the crown – something that would happen if the Scuderia was excluded from the Hockenheim result.
Instead of focusing on events in Paris, however, Vettel knows that coming out on top in this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix is a priority – and he can at least carry good vibes to Monza.
“I have got two great memories from Monza, my first F1 first win and first F1 pole position, so it’s good to be going back,” he confirmed, “It’s a unique circuit with a great history – and an unforgettable atmosphere due to the fans.
“The circuit is one of the most challenging of the season, due to the low downforce levels and high top speeds, and it’s unique because it includes very long straights
where we reach more than 300kph. Then there are the famous corners at Parabolica and Lesmo, which are faster than the first chicanes, but where you have to brake heavily on the approach.”
Vettel agreed with others in the paddock when he admitted that ‘I think it won’t be easy for us, due to the long straights’, and team-mate Mark Webber confirmed that it would not only be the regular frontrunners that would be looking to claim an RBR scalp or two.
“I think we can still do well at Monza,” the Aussie insisted, “but we might have a bit more in the way of opposition as, in addition to Ferrari, McLaren and Renault, Force India could also be in the mix for the top places.”
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