• Indian Grand Prix - Qualifying

Vettel targets Red Bull 1-2 after clinching 13th pole

ESPNF1 Staff
October 29, 2011 « Hamilton surprised to split Red Bulls | Webber happy with 'good foundation' »
Vettel wants a Red Bull 1-2 © Getty Images
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Sebastian Vettel said he was 'extremely happy' to have clinched his 13th pole position of the season after posting the quickest time in qualifying for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.

Vettel ever seemed in any danger of letting up on his qualifying superiority in 2011 and finished comfortably ahead of Lewis Hamilton and team-mate Mark Webber in the lap times although the understated German said it had been 'tricky' nonetheless.

"It was I think a good session for us obviously on a new circuit, a new venue and tricky for all of us first time around in qualifying," said Vettel. "I think it was tricky as we've seen all weekend with the dust on the track, so in the end we ended up with one racing line clear of dirt and just a little bit out makes you lose a lot of time. So it was quite tricky but I think we managed pretty well, the car was fantastic to be honest since yesterday, this morning and throughout qualifying.

"I think in the end there was a little bit left in the first sector. We saw some people go for two timed laps and others only one and then it becomes a bit trickier to hit the first sector. There is a long straight as well after turn three so you want to make sure you don't lose time so I'm extremely happy."

With his second world title already secure and only records to play for, it has been suggested that Vettel could pull over and let team-mate Mark Webber clinch his first victory of the season. But Vettel said that they would have to fight hard to get into that position first before thinking about anything else.

"We'll see, first we'll have to get there as Lewis said it's a long race and Lewis starts from fifth I think and Fernando behind, Jenson as well so they surely will put a lot of pressure on us. It's a long race and a new track so we don't now really how the tyres will respond. It looks as if the tyres should last quite a while but we've seen a couple of surprises so we'll find out tomorrow. First we'll have to race hard and see where we are but I think Mark and myself will obviously aim to win the race and ideally we want to finish 1-2."

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