Friday, Nov 19, 2010
Gulf News
German continues to bask in the glory of winning Formula One Drivers’ title
Abu Dhabi The Formula One World Drivers Champion, Sebastian Vettel, after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, is now experiencing all that comes with the prestigious world title, including a very busy schedule.
Vettel, after celebrating on Sunday night when he became the youngest F1 world champion at 23, flew to Austria for a press conference, followed by a second round of celebrations, and then flew to the Red Bull Racing team’s UK factory base for another round of partying before arriving in Abu Dhabi yesterday morning and heading out for a promo-visit to a store of sportsgoods maker Puma at Abu Dhabi Mall.
Speaking to reporters after being mobbed by Puma customers and fans, Vettel said he was in love with the Yas Marina Circuit after his two wins. “It has been a busy couple of days lately, but nice to be here now. I was in Austria and England as well and have come back here,” said Vettel, who will be back on the circuit to test the Pirelli tyres today and tomorrow.
“Obviously a long season, started in March and then to come here and get the crown on Sunday was brilliant,” said Vettel, who has been competing in a custom-designed Puma Avanti racing suit and Puma SL Tech shoes.
“I love the [Yas Marina] circuit. Second time I have won, obviously been here only twice, so I will have to try to keep my record. It’s nice, it just suits me, the rhythm is different to other tracks and it’s quite a difficult track, tricky course, quite a big challenge. I have liked it over the last two years. Also the car, it worked well both times,” said Vettel, who picked up 25 points for his win and pushed aside Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso for the world title.
Role model
“It has been my dream and my target in life. Knowing that I have achieved it and with some time still in front of me, it is a nice feeling,” he said, adding that as of now he has not set his sights on seven world titles won by his role model and fellow German Michael Schumacher.
Vettel was introduced to racing by his family. “My father was involved in motorsport, in Hill Climb racing, the whole family used to travel together and then one day I discovered Go-Karting. I started there at a young age, drove faster and faster and here I am,” he said.
Though Abu Dhabi is now be one of his favourite venues for F1 racing, Vettel said he was yet to see the city at leisure. “I didn’t get to see much of Abu Dhabi. Last year the race was the last and this year again it was the last race. What they have done on Yas Marina Circuit is pretty incredible.”
When asked if he was buying any property in the UAE, he said, “Not at this stage. Surely the weather here is much nicer in winter, especially while in Europe it gets very cold. Not now, maybe in the future.”
abdel-krim kallouche/Gulf News
Winning words
Sebastian Vettel attends a press conference at the Abu Dhabi Mall. Speaking to reporters after being mobbed by fans, Vettel said he has fallen in love with the Yas Marina Circuit after winning the Emirates Formula One Grand Prix to be crowned F1 world champion.
AP
Making history
Vettel celebrates after crossing the finish line to become the 2010 Formula One World champion after winning the Emirates Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina racetrack.
I love the (Yas Marina) circuit. Second time I have won, obviously been here only twice, so I will have to try to keep my record. It’s nice, it just suits me, the rhythm is different to other tracks and it’s quite a difficult track, tricky course, quite a big challenge. I have liked it over the last two years. Also the car, it worked well both times.”
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By M. Satya Narayan?Senior Reporter
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