Sebastian Vettel may have sealed his second world title in Japan last month but there is no end to his hunger for winning the three remaining races of the season.
In an e-mail interview to HT, the youngest double Formula One champion has admitted that he is excited about the latest addition to the Formula One caravan - the Buddh International Circuit - and looking forward to the Indian Grand Prix. Excerpts:
Is there any specific lucky charm or habit that you perform before a race starts?
In Germany a lucky pig is often given as a gift and that is what I have received from my father. It is a little, bronze-coloured model pig.
You put a coin in its back and it requires no looking after. This is quite common in Germany.
How excited are you about the upcoming Indian Grand Prix?
I am looking forward to it. But I heard it should be quite spectacular. We have been practicing with the simulators and I think it will be exciting for us and the fans.
What are your expectations from the Indian Grand Prix?
I think Indians are really going to love motor racing. I think they are going to be into it. I think if we can get a good crowd and that is the key to a good Grand Prix. It makes such a difference to us if there is a good crowd and there is a lot of support for the grand prix so hopefully that will be the case.
What are your expectations from the Indian Grand Prix?
I think Indians are really going to love motor racing. I think they are going to be into it. I think if we can get a good crowd and that is the key to a good Grand Prix. It makes such a difference to us if there is a good crowd and there is a lot of support for the grand prix so hopefully that will be the case.
Who is your favourite F1 racer and why?
Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
Who is your role model?
If it comes to racing, my role model will have to be Michael Schumacher. He is a legend and I am proud to know him as a friend. He has inspired many fans across India as well across the world to follow our sport. His down to earth nature is great.
With the amount of hard work and the level of detail he goes in to, even at this age and after all his achievements, it is really amazing.
What did you want to do since childhood and why?
My family discovered my passion for motorsport from an early age. Once I turned seven, I entered various karting championships and soon started to win races.
After eight years of karting, I switched to open wheel racing and joined the Eiffelland Formula BMW team.
Your message to your fans...
I would like to thank all my fans in India for their support till now. I hope you are looking forward to the Indian Grand Prix because I'm really thrilled about it myself.