Sebastian Vettle is expecting to face an even tougher field in 2011 © Getty Images
Sebastian Vettel is expecting Felipe Massa and Michael Schumacher to come back strong this season and join the fight for the championship.
In 2010 Vettel fought off Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in the final rounds to take the title. Massa and Schumacher were not in the frame, as both struggled with the characteristics of last year's Bridgestone tyres and the Mercedes was off the pace. But Vettel is counting them as serious rivals ahead of the start of the new season.
"Massa didn't have a good season but no one should underestimate him; it's not so long ago that he was really strong," Vettel told Sport Bild, referring to Massa's title challenge of 2008. "I think neither of them have forgotten how to drive. Schumacher's history is too great to write him off, and Nico Rosberg has also showed us his strength."
He is also expecting a tough battle with all of his 2010 rivals.
"Alonso for sure, and Hamilton is without question one of the best drivers," he said.
Talking about Red Bull team-mate Webber, he said: "If our car is good enough, he will get involved again."
Vettel added that he has cleared the air since with Webber since their 2010 clashes, but admitted that the pair are "not necessarily on the same wavelength".
Credit: ESPN F1 (en.espnf1.com)
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