Formula One news

Vettel eyes Japanese victory on Sunday

The Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel will start Sunday's Suzuka Grand Prix from pole position as the young German hopes to keep his chances of winning the drivers' championship alive.

Vettel was delighted with the pole, but mindful of the race ahead. "We expected to be competitive, but maybe not this competitive. It's a long race, tough on the tyres and I think really tough on the drivers. We have to keep concentrating, especially in the Esses, where there are physics (on the body) but it's amazing how quick you can go with car." 

Thinking ahead to how this race could help his championship chances with the Brawn drivers fifth and seventh respectively, "There are three races to go and a big point's gap so every race has to be won if you still want to keep our chances alive. We're in the best possible position today." 

As stable mate Mark Webber was unable to compete in today's qualifying after a heavy crash in morning practice, the younger team mate spared a moment for the Australian, "It's a real shame for Mark, had he not crashed hard in Turn 9 and had a problem with the car, he would have been on top."

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