Vettel says RBR capable of title fight despite problematic 2012 Malaysian GP – Formula 1 news
Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel believes that they are competent enough to fight for the championship title regardless of the problematic 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix held at Sepang International Circuit.
The two-time world champion secured the second podium finish in the season opener held at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia and scored 18 points which have placed him at sixth in the drivers’ champion so far.
However, the German driver could not be able to secure any points and ended at 11th place in the second GP after his collision with the Indian driver, Narain Karthikeyan of HRT.
Nonetheless, he expressed that he is positive that they will make a strong comeback in the next two races in China and Bahrain.
“Of course I would have preferred a slightly better start, but it's a long season,” Vettel told Sport Bild. “We have a very good car and I still have a good chance - it is still the goal to fight for the title. Only a few hours ago I was in the simulator,
preparing for China and Bahrain. We should hopefully have a few good improvements, but we need to prove that at the tracks.”
Red Bull have won the last two world championship titles and completely dominated the last season with 12 wins out of 19 races.
Conversely, the defending champions faced issues because of the upgrades made in RB8 on the ending day of the final pre-season test held at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona and they could only cover 23 laps after setting the last best time.
Furthermore, they struggled during the qualifying of the first two races of this season.
Contrary to Vettel, his teammate, Mark Webber has been quite consistent in his performance and secured fourth position in the opening two races which has ranked him on the same place in the championship until now.
Besides, Red Bull have been trying their best to make the essential developments and the necessary preparations to improve the pace of the car for the races ahead in order to get back to the front.
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