F1: Finale Just Like Any Other GP, Says Vettel

Formula 1

F1: Finale Just Like Any Other GP, Says Vettel

Sebastian Vettel is on the cusp of a third straight World Championship...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted November 22, 2012 Sao Paulo (BRA)

Sebastian Vettel addresses reporters at Interlagos. (Photo: Getty Images)

A relaxed Sebastian Vettel says that he plans to take this weekend in Brazil like any other race as he prepares to take on Fernando Alonso for the World Championship.

Vettel has a 13-point lead on his Ferrari rival heading into the Interlagos finale.

“I think the secret is to take it as any other,” said Vettel of the Brazilian GP weekend. “If you look in the calendar, Brazil is a race like every other one. You get the same amount of points, and I think we are here to attack. Obviously, we know that we are in a good position. Obviously, as I said, it's something we know but still we have to be sharp and ready to attack.

“I think the circuit seemed to suit our car in previous years. I think we need to confirm it. So all eyes on Friday, to start the weekend, to get into the groove, but I think we can be as confident as we could be in this stage. Obviously, we know there is a lot ahead but we are in a great position.

Vettel needs to finish just fourth or better to clinch his third straight title.

“The weekend starts tomorrow morning and not on Sunday, so really we have to go step by step, trying to do everything to ensure that we get the maximum result,” the Red Bull driver said. “Historically, we've been very quick here, historically we know also it's quite a place where a lot of things can happen, so we need to be sharp in the moment and see what we can get.”

Regarding the prospect of a wet race on Sunday, Vettel said: “In terms of general preparation, we do what we can. Weather-wise, it’s Sao Paulo. It’s the same as if you go to Spa, you know: things can happen quickly and the weather can change a lot here. I spoke to some locals and I think there was a big rain two days ago which wasn’t expected.

“Probably for Saturday, Sunday, there’s some rain on the way, but then again, you don’t know how much, and when, so I think I asked Pirelli yesterday if they have all the containers here with the rain tires, and that’s the case, so I don’t think we have to be concerned.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.