Vettel returns to the grounds of his 2011 title in Suzuka

Sebastian Vettel loves the Suzuka track and he can’t wait to race there again: « I love the Suzuka circuit. To put it simply, it has the most incredible corners and fantastic fans, I really enjoy coming here. In 2011, the country had to face difficult circumstances, so it was really important to try to give them some happiness and show our support. The circuit itself is immense and almost every meter is special. »

The Red Bull driver had started from pole position at the 2011 Japanese Grand Prix but ultimately finished in 3rd place in a race won by Jenson Button. However, it still allowed him to secure the world champion title, but he would have liked to do better: « I would have liked to win in 2011, it was my third Formula 1 race on my favorite circuit, and it still bothers me a bit to have clinched my world champion title with a third place. »

He should therefore have a strong motivation to do better this year, just like his teammate Mark Webber, who has just experienced two challenging Grand Prix, finished out of the points in Italy and Singapore. The Australian driver hopes to bounce back in the Land of the Rising Sun: « I am looking forward to the Japanese Grand Prix because it’s an opportunity to secure a good position again on a track I enjoy. Qualifying hasn’t been our strong point lately, and we know we need to improve. We will focus on that, and once we get better, we can make a leap forward to be in a better position at the end of the Grand Prix. »

Webber appreciates the Suzuka circuit because it is a track that demands a lot from the drivers and requires precision: « The Suzuka circuit has an incredible combination of corners. You must be very precise and rhythm is very important. It’s a good challenge for the drivers. »