Formula One news

Vettel delighted after 'fun' race

Sebastian Vettel dominated proceedings to lead from lights to flag in Japan on Sunday, headed only during pit-stops. The German Red Bull driver extended his lead to almost five seconds in the post-Safety Car stint at the end of the race to move to within 16 points of championship leader Jenson Button.

Dogged by engine worries recently, with no more fresh units available this year, Vettel's chances of clinching the 2009 Drivers' title already looked to have been washed away although the 22-year-old drove faultlessly on his first Formula One appearance at Suzuka.

Vettel maintained a smooth and controlled race in Japan

"We were the favourites but first we had to do the start," he explained before talking of Champion Hamilton's rapid getaway off the line. "We were confident of defending our position; he was closer than I thought he would be when I saw a silver arrow on my inside all of a sudden, much closer than I thought he would be!

"I then pushed in the opening laps and was able to open up a gap. It all worked out, the car was great; in the end it was all under control - I just wanted to have a bit of fun and did a quick lap when my engineer told me I'd better safe my tyres.

"I had Grosjean behind me which made it a bit easier," Sebastian added of the late-race restart following Jaime Alguersuari's crash. "It was great, we finally made it again. The final few races have been a bit up and down; sometimes we had it, sometimes we didn't - it's good to be back in first on a Sunday."

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