Vettel title hopes hit by engine disaster

40

Just as Sebastian Vettel appeared all set to revive his title hopes, the Ferrari driver suffered a major blow when he was denied a chance of qualifying for the Malaysian GP.

Ferrari undertook a precautionary power unit change ahead of the crucial session following an issue which emerged in FP3.

But Vettel reported a problem immediately after taking to the track in Q1, claiming he had lost drive.

An inspection of the car back in the Ferrari garage appeared to indicate only a minor issue but efforts were ultimately abandoned, leaving the German driver to start his race tomorrow from the back of the grid.

Vettel gets precautionary engine change for qualifying

A pragmatic Vettel believed his team had done all it could to provide him with the best opportunity to qualify, but it just wasn't met to be.

"It's part of motor racing," lamented Vettel.

"For sure it's not what you want, especially on a day when you feel you've got it in you and in the car. But unfortunately we won't be able to prove that."

Vettel insisted his team was right to change his engine after FP3 as a precautionary measure.

"Definitely the right decision. We need to see what was the problem but we managed to do the change successfully in time, so the guys worked a miracle."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.