• Japanese Grand Prix

Vettel's unfinished business

ESPN Staff
September 29, 2012 « Suzuka should suit Sauber | Kimi can be champion - Grosjean »
Vettel is hopeful on closing the gap to Alonso at one of his favourite circuits © Getty Images
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Despite winning back-to-back Japanese grands prix in 2009 and 2010, title contender Sebastian Vettel is still irritated by the fact that he did not achieve a hat-trick of wins in 2011.

Vettel won his second world championship title at his favourite circuit in 2011 but admits that it bothered him to win the title with a third place finish.

"I love the Suzuka circuit. In short, it has the most amazing corners and brilliant fans, I really like coming here," said Vettel. "In 2011 the country experienced unbelievable difficulties, so it was extremely important to try and give them some enjoyment and to show our support for their suffering.

"I wish I had won in 2011, it was my third Formula One race on my favourite track and it still bothers me a bit that I took my world title with a third place. The track itself is huge and almost every metre of it is special."

Vettel currently lies second in the title race, 29 points behind championship leader Fernando Alonso. So a victory at Suzuka is vitally important for the German to close the gap even further.

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