F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel: Ferrari needs 'perfect race' to defeat Mercedes

Poleman Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari will require nothing short of a "perfect race" to trounce the mighty Mercedes squad in Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix.

Vettel topped the Saturday afternoon shootout in Montreal for the first time since Hockenheim last year, with a mad dash effort in the final minute of qualifying that edged arch-rival Lewis Hamilton by 0.206s.

While that result was acquired on merit by the Scuderia and Vettel, the German knows that flawless execution - which has been in short supply at Maranello this year - will be needed for Ferrari to bring it home in Canada.

"Obviously there was a reason why we were able to put the car on pole," Vettel said.

"It will be a close battle, we know our strengths and we know our weaknesses. It’s a long race.

"We’re very quick down the straights, not so easy to pass but we will see. In terms of pace, we know it will be close, and we need a perfect race to fight for the win."

©Ferrari

Asked after qualifying if his performance was a sure sign of a turnaround for Ferrari after its disappointing first six races, Vettel would not commit to such a conclusion.

"I don’t know, maybe. If you come to Abu Dhabi and ask if this was the turning point, hope I can give you a yes," he said.

“"t’s a long season, lots of different tracks, different challenges, we know we need to catch up.

"We had more top speed in all tracks so far. This is a track where top speed is more relevant, not too many corners. We’ll see.

"The whole of Maranello is throwing everything at it to try and give us a better car and make it better races to come."

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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.

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