Vettel vows 'to make up' for 2018 blunder at Hockenheim

Sebastian Vettel heads to his home race at Hockenheim determined to make up for the fumble that cost the Ferrari driver dearly in last year's race.

Last season's German Grand Prix provided Vettel with a great opportunity to keep his title bid wide open against arch rival Lewis Hamilton, until a mistake on a damp track while leading the race with 16 laps to go destroyed his chances.

The error set Hamilton loose in the championship, the Mercedes driver never looking back thereafter and racing on to conquer his fifth world crown.

This year, with a 100-point deficit to Hamilton in the drivers' standings, Vettel's championship hopes will appear remote at Hockenheim, although the 32-year-old's motivation remains intact.

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"We have got to make up for last year, especially myself, and I look forward to racing in Hockenheim," Vettel said in the Scuderia's German Grand Prix preview.

"The atmosphere is always phenomenal and the crowd is great. I remember a lot of German flags around the track from last year, which I really enjoyed.

"In terms of the track, it looks quite simple and straightforward at first sight. Especially the last part is very enjoyable but it is also very technical entering the Motodrom.

"There are a lot of fans there and I think that’s definitely the highlight of the track.

"I would say that Turn 1 is probably one of the most tricky corners. It is very fast and is over before you notice, so it is important to get a good feeling straight away to set you off on the right foot for the rest of the lap."

While Vettel is determined to quell last year's bad memories - and his Silverstone mistake - with a flawless performance on home ground, his won't be able to rely on any specific upgrades for his SF90.

"For us, the German Grand Prix is first and foremost Sebastian’s home race," said Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto.

"Therefore, we really hope to do well at Hockenheim, especially after last year’s race here, when the win escaped us at the end of a weekend where our performance was definitely up to the task.

"We are not bringing any specific updates but studying the data from the last round in Silverstone has provided us with useful information in our quest to get a better understanding of our car."

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