GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Sebastian Vettel Q&A: Singapore win means a lot

Sebastian Vettel Q&A: Singapore win means a lot

Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull did it again in Singapore on Sunday, putting the German just one point away from a second consecutive title. It may have been Vettel’s ninth win of the year, but the unique demands of Marina Bay - the lights, the humidity, the traffic, the street layout and more - meant it felt like a very special one…

Q: Sebastian, how did it feel to be on the top spot of the podium?

Sebastian Vettel: It was fantastic. This race is phenomenal with the atmosphere and it is one of the most demanding for cars and drivers, so having succeeded here makes a difference, especially with how it was achieved - (leading) from start to finish. There was not a single hint of wobbliness in our race. Fact is that this track gives you very little space for mistakes - and today we didn’t even need the smallest of spaces. I have to say I am really, really happy as this track means a lot to me.

Q: The only awkward situation was in the pits - when you pitted together with Heikki Kovalainen?

SV: Of course I knew that I had to observe the situation - that’s why I had his lollipop in my focus all the time and even though I was already on my way back to the track they released him and I had to brake. At that moment it didn’t matter because we had a comfortable lead, so no need to worry.

Q: In the final stages Jenson Button came closer and closer. Did the Canadian race pop up in your mind?

SV: No, not at all. We had enough speed in the car. But, of course, you never know when you’re running into traffic and the blue flags have to be waved whether the drivers will immediately respect the race leader, because these guys are also doing their own race and fighting for their position. As I said before, there were no real issues in the race and those that happened can probably be best described as very minor irritations. Towards the end we eased the speed a bit to make sure that the car was safely homeward bound - that is why Jenson was able to come closer. But should it have been necessary I would have been able to go on full throttle again to keep the status quo.

Q: You are one point away from the title. Bernie Ecclestone said recently that even if you stop racing now you still would win the championship. How do you deal with this single point?

SV: Obviously we are very close to the title win, but let’s stay cool and talk about it if the mission is completed. Statistically it definitely is not too far off, but we also don’t want to cause any bad luck by talking too much about it. Don’t praise the day before the evening! (laughs)

Q: Speaking in tennis terms, the first match point didn’t work out - so how will it go on?

SV: We will stay focused, as we have been all season long, until the final chequered flag in Brazil. We said that we are here to win races - and when doing so the championship is just a matter of time. And yes, I am proud of my 11 pole positions and nine wins so far - and believe me I’ve got so hooked on this pole and podium feeling that I don’t want to miss it in the remaining races. The car works perfectly so there shouldn’t be any reason for not tasting this kind of success again.

Q: Coming back to the race, how was it to drive without any real competition?

SV: Well, it was not entirely without competition but, sure, we were surprised by what a gap we were able to build. The car was simply fantastic and if we had really gone flat out throughout the whole race the gap would have been even bigger. But in the end it is totally irrelevant if you lead by one minute or by the blink of an eye - the important thing is that you lead and bring that lead home. We achieved that - as in the last three races. I adore (my car) Kinky Kylie, I honestly do. And the team is the most fantastic bunch of people you can imagine. With this in our back pocket, as I said, the title should be only a matter of time. (laughs)

Credit: Formula One Administration Ltd (www.formula1.com)