What makes Vettel special

27/09/2011

Having recovered following the intervention of the Safety Car, Sebastian Vettel faced further drama late in Sunday's race. But, again, he had it covered.

At the end of the 49th lap, the race leader made his third and final stop of the day, taking on a set of used options. All went well, and the German was sent on his way, another 25 points in the bag.

However, further down the pitlane, Heikki Kovalainen had been released into the path of the German - a move which resulted in a 10,000 euro fine, the stewards adjudging the Malaysian team as having unsafely released its driver - the two almost colliding.

However, even in the heat of battle, Vettel, who has improved by leaps and bounds this year, learning from every mistake, had everything covered.

"It was close, I had to lift," he admitted. "We went into the pits together. Obviously I did my pit stop and then depending on how quick the Lotus boys would be, he would be coming out ahead or behind so I watched the lights - they have a system with lights, I think - so I watched their lollipop and saw them going off when I was approaching. I was aware of the situation.

"I think initially that Heikki didn't see me, it's a difficult angle," added the German, "so I had to lift but I think it was more of a misunderstanding, obviously not Heikki's fault. I was aware but obviously if I hadn't backed off, it would have been too tight for my front wing."

Now, if he can only drop that irritating thing with the finger...