Vettel aims to end July curse
Two-times reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel aims to win his first Formula One race in the month of July at the British Grand Prix on Sunday which is a home race for most of the teams.
The 25-year-old Red Bull driver has 22 career victories to his credit but is yet to top the podium in this summer month.
Silverstone offers the first opportunity for Vettel and is the home race of his team which is based not far away from the 5.891km course. The other chances are in his personal German home race on July 22 in Hockenheim and the following week in Hungary.
Vettel has won the British GP before, but his success in 2009 came in June.
"This season is crazy and it won't stop. But victory remains our aim," Vettel said.
Vettel seemed on course towards his second season win in Valencia a fortnight ago before a technical problem stopped him in leading position.
He lies fourth in the championship with 85 points, behind leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari (111), Red Bull's Mark Webber (91) and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton (88).
Alonso was the first man to win two races in the turbulent season when he dominated in Valencia after Vettel's exit.
"We mustn't get frustrated. We have to pick ourselves up and focus on what's most important. We still have a lot more races to go and I am certain that we will be able to use any opportunity we get to win and score important points," Vettel said.
The opposition must have taken notice that Vettel was dominating the Valencia race as in his strongest events of the past two years as Red Bull seem to have made some important upgrades.
"We've proved that we and the car have great potential and that we can be really fast ... We've made a big step in the right direction," he said.
Red Bull will aim to show their speed again on Sunday but others are out for success as well in what is the home race for eight of the 12 teams: Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, Lotus, Williams, Force India, Caterham and Marussia.
The top British drivers have an extra incentive on home turf and Hamilton will be hoping that he can finally get his first season victory after coming close in Valencia when tyre wear and a late collision with Pastor Maldonado cost him a top finish.
"To me, winning at Silverstone is right up there with winning at Monaco. Standing on the top step of the podium in 2008 was among the sweetest moments of my career," Hamilton said.
"We're going to give it everything we've got, put on a great show. This is an incredible summer of sport for Britain and I want to play my small part in bringing some joy to fans. I will be doing everything possible to get a win for my country on home soil," he added, referrring to the ongoing Wimbledon championships and the London Olympics starting on July 27.
The action starts with two free practice sessions on Friday, qualifying is Saturday and the 46th edition of the race on Sunday.
