Formula One: Super Vettel hands Red Bull constructors’ title

World champion wins Korean GP ahead of Hamilton and Webber.


Afp October 16, 2011

YEONGAM: Double world champion Sebastian Vettel won the Korean Grand Prix in crushing fashion to help his Red Bull team retain the Formula One constructors’ title after a dominant season.

Just a week after cruising to third place in Japan, where Vettel confirmed himself as the 2011 drivers’ world champion, the 24-year-old German was uncatchable as he drove to his 10th win this year, and 20th of his career.

“This is special for us all, for the whole team,” said Vettel. “It wasn’t such an easy race, but we did it. After the drivers, the constructors’ – it’s fantastic.”

Vettel started second on the grid, but took the lead from Lewis Hamilton of McLaren on the opening lap to pull clear and produce a flawless drive to the chequered flag.

He came home in a winning time of one hour, 38 minutes and 1.994 seconds, 12.019 ahead of Hamilton, who drove a splendidly controlled defensive race to stay ahead of Red Bull’s Mark Webber.

The Australian finished third, ensuring Red Bull clinched their second successive team title, ahead of Briton Jenson Button in the second McLaren, and two-time champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso of Ferrari.

Vettel delivered a final flourish with the fastest lap of the race on his last circuit as the top five were separated by just 15 seconds.

Felipe Massa was sixth in the second Ferrari ahead of Jaime Alguersuari of Toro Rosso, Nico Rosberg of Mercedes, Sebastian Buemi of Toro Rosso and British rookie Paul Di Resta, who grabbed a point for Force India team in 10th place.

Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, 42, was forced into an early retirement after his Mercedes car was damaged in a collision with Vitaly Petrov of Renault, for which the Russian apologised.

Vettel ecstatic

The 24-year-old was a pleased man and praised his team. “I think it’s good to see the whole team keeps pushing,” said Vettel. “In terms of preparation it wasn’t ideal, because I think the team was a bit tipsy after last week’s race.”

Red Bull chief Christian Horner hailed the team’s ‘unrivalled’ spirit. “A second title is testimony to the dedication and commitment of the whole team. It’s been a phenomenal period for us,” he said.

Petrov gets five-place penalty

Meanwhile, the Russian driver was given a five-place grid penalty, and a reprimand, for driving into Schumacher’s Mercedes. The penalty will be served at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix later this month.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 17th, 2011.

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