Don't think tyre strategy will decide the winner: Vettel

Image
Press Trust of India Greater Noida
Last Updated : Oct 26 2013 | 6:02 PM IST
Selecting the right set of tyres at the Buddh International Circuit might hold the key to success in tomorrow's Indian Grand Prix, but defending champion Sebastian Vettel feels the 60-lap race is long enough for a team to adjust its strategies.
High degradation on the soft Pirelli tyres was the greatest cause of concern for the drivers during Friday's practice sessions and there is a feeling among the experts that most of the teams will go for long-lasting medium tyres in tomorrow's final race.
"What is the right strategy we will find out tomorrow. The race is long so we will have plenty of time to make up and adjust the strategies," said Vettel, who positioned himself perfectly for a fourth straight world title after securing his third consecutive Indian Grand Prix pole position here today.
Vettel came out with a flying lap of 1:24.119s to grab his third straight pole in India, seventh of the season and 43rd of his career as he pipped Mercedes' Nico Rosberg by 0.752 seconds. Rosberg was followed by his teammate Lewis Hamilton (1:24.941s) as Mercedes prevented a Red Bull lock out by pushing Mark Webber (1:25.047) to the fourth spot.
"I really like the circuit specially the middle sector is very challenging with fast, high speed corners. The car has been very strong since yesterday morning. We didn't have to adjust that much. It was a good result for me as well as for the team with Mark sitting on the fourth spot," Vettel said.
"As a team we have been working very hard so as to make sure that we are on top of our game. It is a team effort at the end of the day. The team is pushing very hard and you also feel that you have to deliver. As part of the team I got to do my bid to find out the right set up," the German added.
Rosberg, meanwhile, admitted that medium tyre strategy is a consideration for tomorrow's race.
"Medium tyre was always a consideration (for today). It is a consideration for tomorrow but today we decided that soft tyre was the best way to go. It was the best thing to do from my point of view. But medium tyre strategy is also good one," he said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 26 2013 | 6:02 PM IST

Next Story