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Vettel calm about title talk

ESPNF1 Staff
February 10, 2010 « Schumacher comeback driven by boredom - Stewart | »
The new Red Bull RB6 is unveiled at Jerez ahead of its test debut © Sutton Images
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Sebastian Vettel is unfazed by suggestions that he is favourite to win this year's Formula One drivers' crown, as testing stepped up a gear for Red Bull with the launch of its new car.

The German came second to Jenson Button last year and hopes are high that the new Red Bull RB6, which was launched in Jerez on Wednesday, can propel him to the top of the tree.

"Being favourite or not, I set my target for myself. I know what I want to achieve this year," Vettel said. "Most important now is that the car is running and that we improve the reliability and speed. First you need to make your car work, then you see where you are and according to that you set your expectations.

"For sure there is only one target, to be just one step better than last year. I want to win the world championship. If we are the favourites, that's fine. If not, that's fine too."

Button and Lewis Hamilton are sure to be challenging for honours, along with the Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, and Vettel is aware it will be a tough battle for podium finishes.

He said: "Obviously I hope we are as strong as we were last year, or even stronger. Then you've got McLaren and Ferrari, who look very competitive already, and Mercedes with Michael [Schumacher}. It's going to be an interesting season."

Vettel was joined by Mark Webber to unveil the new car, which features the double diffuser and the 'shark fin' engine cover as adopted by many other teams for 2010.

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