Vettel hopes victory in Japan could be title omen

SUZUKA, Japan, (Reuters) – Sebastian Vettel roared  to a Japanese Grand Prix victory yesterday that he hoped would  be ominous for his rivals and auspicious for his Formula One  championship hopes.

Last year the Red Bull driver won from pole position at  Suzuka but failed in his ultimate bid to win the title,  finishing runner-up to Britain’s Jenson Button.

Twelve months on and the 23-year-old German did it again,  this time with two days of action condensed into a single day  after qualifying was rained off on Saturday, and with the omens  looking a whole lot better.

Only two other drivers have enjoyed successive wins at  Suzuka and both went on to take the title — Finland’s Mika  Hakkinen in 1999 and Germany’s Michael Schumacher with a run of  wins between 2000 and 2002.

Vettel is now just 14 points behind championship leading  team mate Mark Webber with three races remaining and everything  to play for.

If they were to finish similarly one-two in South Korea and  Brazil — a big if — they would turn up for the Abu Dhabi  finale level on points but with Vettel ahead 5-4 on race wins.

“I am very proud. I love this circuit. It is always special  to come here,” he said after dominating every practice session  and every part of qualifying.

“The fans and I think the atmosphere for all of us is  special. It is the first time I have won a grand prix for the  second time, so I think ultimately you have to fall in love  with this track.
“Yeah, very proud, so as you say I think that (the  precedent of Hakkinen and Schumacher) is a good omen, so I  wouldn’t mind (if it came true).”
“This track is like it is drawn for us,” he said of Red  Bull’s dominance.
“With all the high-speed corners it is always a pleasure  and with the car getting lighter and lighter in the end it is  just more and more fun.”

Vettel led from the start, handing over only at his pitstop  and then regaining the advantage when those in front also  pitted.

Whereas he and Webber collided in Turkey in May while  battling for the lead, this time there was no question of any  fireworks.

“It was pretty much controlled to the end, just trying to  carry the car home. But still you want to push every single lap  because the car is magnificent around here. It just feels  fantastic, so (I’m) really happy,” said Vettel.