Vettel surprised by home 'stat attack'

F1 News
Date: 19/July/2012

Reigning double World Champion Sebastian Vettel has achieved a huge amount in his F1 career, but there are two things he hasn’t yet managed.

None of the German’s 22 victories have been claimed in front of his home fans - and, it was revealed on Thursday at Hockenheim, he has also never won an F1 race held in July!

The Red Bull star is well aware of his home record, but didn’t expect the July stat.

“My goodness! Then if I don’t win this weekend we’ll move [the German GP] to August. Or June!” he joked.

“Obviously it would be very special to win here, I think first of all to have the chance to race in your home country is something that’s very special, and being able to win would be incredible.

“We try again – but I don’t believe in a bad month or a bad date in that regard.”

The statistical surprises didn’t end there, with Vettel then informed that he has scored a massive 104 points less than at the same time last year.

“104!” he repeated. “No, it's different, of course. Obviously we had an incredible year last year, good start, a lot of points, a lot of wins. This year we've had two DNFs and all in all, I think it has been a tricky season.

“Obviously a lot of guys and a lot of cars that are very competitive, so naturally I think it's a different season so far but feeling-wise, I feel as happy as last year really, so looking forward to this weekend, but I think we have a long season ahead of us.”

Vettel finished fourth in last year’s German round, held at the Nurburgring, marking his only non-podium aside from a retirement in Abu Dhabi.

The 25-year old starts this year’s event holding third place in the Drivers’ Championship, 29-points behind Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and 16-points from team-mate Mark Webber.

After nine unpredictable rounds, Alonso and Webber are the only double winners so far this year.