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Vettel not thinking about sealing title in Singapore

ESPNF1 Staff
September 15, 2011 « FIA steward Daly thinks Schumacher deserved penalty | »
Sebastian Vettel could win the title with a podium finish in Singapore if his rivals struggle © Getty Images
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Sebastian Vettel is not thinking about walking away from the Singapore Grand Prix as a double world champion, but is confident Red Bull has a car that can win on the street circuit next weekend.

Vettel leads the title race by 112 points and is almost certain to become this year's champion at some point over the next six races. He could seal the deal in Singapore if he wins the race with Fernando Alonso finishing fourth or lower and Mark Webber and Jenson Button finishing third or lower, but insists he is not thinking about the possible permutations.

"Looking at the championship obviously it is still some way to go," he said. "We are in first position, which I think we deserve to be in because we've been working very hard, we've made very few mistakes. We'll see I don't really think about the points and the gaps at the next race. As long as we come out with a bigger lead in the points at the next race then we have down a good job."

However, his team-mate Mark Webber, who is still mathematically in contention, has ruled out his chances of taking the title after Vettel's win at Monza last weekend.

"Seb won the race again and, although he is not quite champion again yet, we're all now effectively fighting for second place," he wrote in his BBC column.

Red Bull has never won in Singapore, while Vettel's closest rival Alonso has won two of the three races held on the street circuit since the inaugural event in 2008. Nevertheless, Vettel is confident the Red Bull will be quick at F1's only night race.

"We've had very good races in Singapore in the past, especially last year we were very close and finished just behind Fernando in second," he said. "I love the track and I think it is one of the most challenging with a lot of corners. It's a long race, very hot and a night race so there are a lot of special things about Singapore and the car seem to be very competitive there so I hope we can go back there this year and get it done this year. It's a nice grand prix and it would be very special to win."

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