• Japanese Grand Prix - FP2

Tyres the biggest challenge at Suzuka - Vettel

ESPN Staff
October 11, 2013 « Hamilton wary of Red Bull pace | Mercedes will 'give it everything' - Rosberg »
Sebastian Vettel says tyre management is tough at Suzuka © Sutton Images
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Sebastian Vettel believes drivers and teams will face some tricky decisions when it comes to tyre strategy at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Last weekend's race in Korea was dominated by tyre monitoring tyre wear, and although Pirelli has brought the two hardest compounds in its range to Japan, Vettel thinks degradation will still be an issue.

"There is a little bit of room for improvement, especially in looking after the tyres, which will be crucial," he said. "Not so much over one lap in qualifying but obviously for the race.

"It's tricky and we've seen that a lot of people are struggling and there have been lots of mistakes. It's a difficult track for the drivers but also on tyres it's very hard. It will be a big challenge to find the best strategy on Sunday."

Red Bulls topped the speed trap times in both sessions at Suzuka, but Vettel hinted that the team had ramped up the downforce on his car in the second session, knocking the edge off top speed while improving corner speed.

"We've improved the car and we were a little bit slower down the straights this afternoon," he said. "I think probably the circuit was a little bit slower this afternoon as well. It was quite tricky and very hard on tyres, which seems to be the biggest challenge for everyone."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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