Vettel: '2011 starts today'

Sebastian, what was the purpose of these tests today for you? And what did you think of the Pirelli tires?
You have to give yourself time to adapt the car to the new tires and find the right settings. Overall, the tire performs very well, probably much better than some people expected. Given the short time Pirelli had to make their tires, they did a good job. We are halfway through the development of the tire. I don't think this is the final version of the tire we will have next year. But it's a good start, a step forward. Then it's good, after several very busy days, to get back in the car.

I believe you are used to carrying out tire tests?
It's true, in 2006, I was a test pilot and I did a lot of it. There were then Michelin and Bridgestone in Formula 1. We had so many different types of tires to try. Before each weekend, we had to choose different types of tires. Part of the testing was reserved for choosing these tires. We had about ten sets of tires to test, per day. So it?s obviously different compared to the Bridgestone tires but, as I said, it?s a good start.

What were the conditions like today?
The circuit offered us very good conditions today. Even though it has been cleaned and they have tried to remove the Bridgestone rubber, there is still a lot of rubber on the track, there was a lot more than last weekend. But the conditions were excellent, plus there was a big blue sky all day.

Sebastian, this is the first time you've taken your Red Bull since Sunday, as World Champion. A special feeling?
I was happy to get back in the car this morning as I have been very busy since Sunday, with lots of things to do. So it was great to get back in the car, knowing what I had to do. The day was busy but it was still very pleasant to ride again.

Have things changed for you since last Sunday?
I'm still a little tired, but other than that I don't think things have really changed. I enjoyed my title with the team but 2011 starts today. So we must already focus on the new tires, on the first feeling. It was an important day. We learned a lot. We now have all night to adapt the car, think about it, compare it with others, discuss it with Pirelli? It will help us a lot.

Sebastian, you say you've had a busy week. What was your program?
I left Abu Dhabi on Monday morning without having slept, to go to Austria and answer a lot of questions. I then took part in a TV show and, in the evening, there was a party organized for me. Tuesday, press conference in England then return to the factory. It was good, I was able to see all the staff, which allowed me to thank them. It was quite emotionally gripping. I came back here during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. I then spent the whole day in bed. And yesterday I tried to train to be in shape for today