Sebastian Vettel emphasised today what a German GP victory would mean to him, especially after he finished only fourth in his home race last season.
Bizarrely he has never won a Grand Prix during the month of July, although he has little time for that unusual stat.
“Yeah, obviously it would be very special to win here,” said the double World Champion. “I think first of all to have the chance to race in your home country is something that’s very special, and being able to win would be incredible. We try again – but I don’t believe in a bad month or a bad date in that regard.”
As the half way point of the season approaches Vettel has 104 points less than he had at the same stage last year, after nine races.
“It’s different, of course. Obviously we had an incredible year last year, good start, a lot of points, a lot of wins. This year we’ve had two DNFs and all in all, I think it has been a tricky season. Obviously a lot of guys and a lot of cars that are very competitive, so naturally I think it’s a different season so far but feeling-wise, I feel as happy as last year really, so looking forward to this weekend, but I think we have a long season ahead of us.”
Today Vettel recalled some very early memories of visiting Hockenheim to watch F1 cars in action – including getting ripped off by a bottled water seller!
“Yeah, I remember the first time I came here was with my father in I think 1992. I was five years old and we came on a Friday, it was raining like crazy, on the old track. We were waiting for the cars to come, for Michael to come, but they only did the installation lap but that was already enough because just to hear the cars, the sound, see them, see the spray, was unique. So that’s a nice memory.
“A couple of years later I watched again a Formula One Grand Prix, from the main grandstand and it was very hot. I remember they sold water for 10 Deutsche Marks, which was really expensive at the time, and later on when we left we found out that they had just refilled the water bottles from the tap, so that was quite a good business.
“After that, through Formula BMW and Formula 3, a lot of racing here. It’s not far away from where I was born, where I grew up, therefore it’s obviously special to come here.”
Vettel said he likes the Hockenheim atmosphere, especially in the rowdy campsites: “I haven’t been camping myself but two years ago, last time we’ve been here, we’ve been to the campsite to visit the fans, so yeah, there have been plenty of fans and obviously the atmosphere was very special. I don’t know if you have been there already but if you haven’t then you should go – I think you will get a beer for sure.
“So, yeah, it’s a good atmosphere, a good vibe, so I think the people come here and enjoy the whole weekend. Hopefully the weather is not like Silverstone this week, otherwise it will be quite poor for them.”
Adam Cooper F1 