YOKOHAMA, Japan: Sebastian Vettel said yesterday that winning his fourth world title in a row would be “incredible”, ahead what could be the championship decider in Japan this weekend.
The Red Bull driver stands on the verge of true Formula One greatness.
A victory at Suzuka would elevate him to the stature of Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher as only the third four-in-a-row champion.
“It is an incredible position to be in,” the soft-spoken German told a fan event at Nissan Motor Headquarters in Yokohama, south of Tokyo.
“Our car seems to work well. So we have a reason to believe we will have a good weekend,” the 26-year-old German told reporters yesterday.
Vettel has won the last four races -- and eight out of 14 this Formula One season -- to put one hand on his fourth successive world title, which he can claim at Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.
But his dominance has not been welcomed by everyone. Vettel has been booed repeatedly on the podium by disgruntled spectators who want to see a nail-biting competition.
However, anyone hoping he might fall at this weekend’s hurdle has history against them -- Vettel has won three of the past four Japan Grand Prix.
“To be honest, I am looking forward to Suzuka. From the driver’s point of view, it is one of the best, if not the best track in the world,” he said.
Vettel added he was focused on the race at hand, not busy counting his past victories.
“I think you have other things in your head. You obviously are busy driving the car. You are looking after the tyres. Alway focused on the moment,” he said.
The German added: “When you cross the line and you did a good job, then you are happy with yourself. (It) gives a lot of satisfaction. So that’s the most important, I think.”
AFP
