Vettel: “The car should be faster in the race”

Sebastian Vettel could not fight against the Mercedes during qualifying for the Japanese GP. The pilot of the Team Ferrari fell almost half a second short of title rival's pole position Lewis Hamilton.

“I don't know what pace they will have in the race, it's a bit up and down for them. They were lacking pace in the last race (at the Malaysian GP on September 29) and they seem to be back to normal here,” commented Sebastian Vettel after qualifying at Suzuka.

The four-time world champion nevertheless remains confident since he will start on the front row taking advantage of the penalty inflicted on Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes).

“I tried to take a little more risk during my last attempt in Q3, admitted the Ferrari driver. I allowed myself it because Valtteri wasn't a threat, but it didn't work. Despite everything, I am satisfied with my result. We often get good starts and the car is more and more balanced. We are a little lacking in performance but the car should be faster in the race. »

Sebastian Vettel has not won at the Japanese Grand Prix since 2013 even though he has three successes at Suzuka. The Ferraris of the German and Kimi Räikkönen failed to reach the podium during the last edition. The German should not be able to count on the help of his teammate Kimi Räikkönen since the Finn, sixth in qualifying, will have to move back five places on the grid.