Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

Vettel confident, but expecting Mercedes to bounce back

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Singapore Grand Prix winner Sebastian Vettel will be looking to keep up the momentum in Japan this weekend, although the Ferrari driver's relative performance may depend on Mercedes own ability to recover from its unexpected performance slump last week.

Vettel secured his third win of the year around the Marina Bay harbour after Malaysia and Hungary, and the German driver enjoys quite an impressive track record at Suzuka, with four wins out of six races in Japan.

"I love the track; it’s a driver’s circuit. I think we all love the track," Vettel said.

"It’s one of the old school circuits on the calendar. It’s a lot of fun. If you want to know what an F1 car can do then the first sector I would say sums it up and says pretty much all. In my point of view it's the best track in the world and it's great fun to be here."

In spite of Suzuka's favourable backdrop, Vettel remains cautious on his chances of clinching a second triumph on the trot with Mercedes expected to recover the ground lost in Singapore over its main rivals.

"I think you have to remain realistic. In a way it was a big surprise to see Mercedes struggling, which I don’t expect to be the case here. Again, it would be a big surprise."

"But if the chance is there we have to go for it. As I said, the nature of the track is completely different here. We’ll have to wait. The weather could bring a lot of surprises as well. It’s going to be a tough weekend."

Chris Medland's Japanese Grand Prix preview

Eric Silbermann's Japanese Grumpy Preview

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.