Tipsy Vettel revels in belated joy of victory

SEPANG, Malaysia, (Reuters) – Sebastian Vettel  giggled and admitted he had sipped too much champagne when he  addressed the media after storming to victory at the Malaysian  Grand Prix yesterday.

The German led a Red Bull one-two ahead of team mate Mark  Webber and his eagerness to celebrate could be forgiven as the  team finally converted on a strong qualifying session after  mechanical failures deprived him of two victories this season.

It was a case of third time lucky in Malaysia after Vettel  sped past Nico Rosberg and pole-sitter Webber to charge into the  lead by turn one, before cruising to the chequered flag without  a hint of the unreliability that has dogged the team this  season.

“I feel a bit tipsy because of the champagne… I think I  sipped too much,” Vettel said before the start of his news  conference.

“What a day!” he told reporters. “We had a magnificent car  and the key once again was to pace yourself. At the end of the  day, a very good result for us and for myself after two races  where I didn’t finish where I wanted to be.

“It was crucial for the team not to panic and to stay  relaxed. It is a long season but this is the best result we  could get and on top of that Mark getting second place is a big  plus for the team and a lot of points.”

Once in front, Vettel’s only concern was the prospect of  Webber utilising a faster stop to gain track position but the  threat never materialised when the Australian was delayed by a  stubborn front right wheel in the pits.