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F1 Brazilian GP: Vettel sets sights genuine return to podium from sixth

Sebastian Vettel says Kimi Raikkonen's run to third position on the grid for the Brazilian Grand Prix is proof that he can challenge Red Bull for a podium, despite qualifying down in sixth himself.

In a closely-fought session between Ferrari and Red Bull for 'best of the rest' behind the dominant Mercedes' of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, it was Raikkonen that would emerge as the quickest of the four drivers in third with Vettel in sixth, albeit just over a tenth off his team-mate.

Blaming a lacklustre final portion of the lap for losing time, Vettel nonetheless feels the Ferrari SF16-T package is quick enough in race trim to take him to the podium from the third row.

"We expected it to be close and we managed to split the cars. Ideally we would have liked to be ahead with both cars and it was entirely possible, not entirely happy with my final run. I messed up the last corners a little bit but other than that we could show the pace that the car has

"We can show what the car can do and for tomorrow I think we usually find more consistency and pace, so I am confident we can have a real battle for the podium. Our main opponent will be Red Bull, Mercedes seems a bit too quick... maybe there will be some rain, we need to be sharp and make the right calls."

Vettel comes into the race seeking his first podium since the Italian Grand Prix. The former champion was originally classified third in Mexico only to be demoted to fifth place following a post-race penalty for moving under braking.

Zdroj: crash.net