Vettel: 'I chickened out on the last run'

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Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel qualified on the front row for Sunday's Brazilian GP just 0.038s off the time set by poleman Valtteri Bottas.

The German driver put in a good effort but reckons he left a bit on the table in the end in Q3.

"I think I chickened out a little bit on the brakes for the final run into Turn 1 and lost a bit too much time," he said.

"From there, the lap was fine but I knew I had a bit left in the last corner, which I got on my second run, but by then I was already too much behind. It's not that bad, I was happy with my first lap."

Bottas on pole in Brazil after Hamilton crashes out

With Lewis Hamilton left to chase from behind following his crash in Q1, Vettel feels he may have a shot at a race win given his expected race pace.

"For tomorrow, our long run looks good, in particular against Valtteri, so let's see what happens.

"I think it's quite positive we're a lot closer than we were yesterday. For tomorrow I believe we should have good race car."

Asked how important it is to preserve his second place in the drivers' standings, the four-time world champion insisted he was as motivated as ever to hold his own in the championship.

"A lot, I mean we failed to finish first so want to make sure we finish second. You could argue it's not a big difference but it is.

That's what racing is about so the primary tomorrow is to win, and that should also do well for points or whatever if you look at the battle for second."

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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.