Greater Noida, Oct 18 (IANS) Sebastian Vettel has cruised to victory in the first two editions of the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix. And it is no surprise that the Red Bull driver is confident of completing a hat-trick at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) here next weekend and seal the world title for the fourth year in a row.
“So far everything has always gone perfectly for us in India. There is also a very nice trophy at the end of the race – so it would be great to hold one again this year. It’s a circuit that I like, in a country that is very, very impressive every time we go there,” Vettel, who won the races from pole position, said in a team preview Friday.
He just needs a top five finish to secure the championship.
Talking more about the 5.14-km track, the German said: “It is not an easy track, because of a few complicated rhythm- breakers that are in there. The most difficult part is the uphill entry to Turn Three, because seeing the apex is practically impossible. So to drive a perfect lap around the Buddh circuit, you need a good driving instinct.”
Lower tyre degradation was experienced at BIC in 2012, making Pirelli go for soft and medium tyre combination than soft and hard used last year.
Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber, who will say goodbye to F1 at the end of the season, had plenty to say about the India experience.
“It’s an extremely unique country for lots of different reasons, culturally there’s lots going on and you’ve got some pretty spectacular cities, busy cities. I’ve tried some of the local food and it’s really tasty, and obviously spicy, but I don’t mind that,” said Webber.
Webber compared the circuit to the ones in Turkey and Silverstone.
“The track is good. I think they’ve done a good job with the circuit, it’s a place where you can really put a Formula One car on the limit and it’s quick. It’s a very demanding track for the car and driver. It’s probably very similar to the old Turkey circuit, but the middle sector is very similar to Silverstone – it’s very, very fast, but has some undulations as well. The undulations are quite good and quite cute; they’ve put them in some challenging areas for us,” he added.