One lap wonder puts Vettel on pole

F1 News
Date: 27/October/2012

Having been forced to scrap his first pole attack, F1 World Championship leader Sebastian Vettel faced an all-or-nothing final attempt in qualifying at the Buddh International Circuit, India.

It worked. The young German pinched pole from Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber by just 0.044s on a day when title rival Fernando Alonso was left in fifth place for Ferrari.

Vettel is just six points ahead of Alonso with four races to go.

"My first run, I did a mistake in Turn Four and had to abort the lap, so that was not as per plan,” admitted Vettel. “We only had one more set of tyres left but fortunately I got the lap together and was very happy.

“I could have been a bit faster, because I made sure not to lock up the fronts again at Turn Four, but all in all it was a very good session for us, the car was fantastic.

“We had lots of feedback from the factory, which was very helpful from yesterday to today, so thanks to those guys there.

“We have to keep pushing obviously. I think we have a lot of races to go, important races, but the best chance of doing well is to focus on every single step. Today was qualifying. I think we got a very good result and now we look forward to the race.”

Between the Red Bulls and Ferraris on the starting grid will be a second row formed by McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

“I think the McLarens, went very quick in the long run yesterday, as well as the Ferraris. So, I think it will be a close race, also in terms of strategy it could be a surprise,” said Vettel.

Vettel is F1’s man of the moment with victories in the last three rounds, and also won the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in 2011.

“Last year was pretty special, to be the first winner here in India and to do it again this year is obviously the target,” said the reigning double world champion. “I like the circuit, it suits our car as well and there are opportunities to overtake - hopefully we don't have to use them tomorrow…”

Alonso claimed he had no chance to battle the Red Bulls and McLarens in qualifying, but insists he isn’t demotivated and is ready to attack.

“We must try and make up places on the first lap and try to put pressure on our main rivals, ensuring they don’t have an easy race,” he said. “There are 60 laps to work with and we will need to tackle each one as if it’s qualifying, by attacking.”