German driver Sebastian Vettel captured pole position for this past weekend's Grand Prix of Japan and crossed the line in third place, scoring enough points to clinch his second world title.
The highly talented Red Bull Racing driver led the points standings throughout the season; from March's Australian Grand Prix to this weekend's Suzuka decider, the title has been his to lose.
Vettel's 2011 season so far has been impressive.
He's captured 12 from a possible 15 pole positions, and only once has he failed to make the front row of the grid. Just two more for Vettel would see him match Nigel Mansell's 1992 record (driving a Williams-Renault) of 14 in a season.
On race days, Vettel was equally strong. Nine wins from 15 races would be dominant enough, but when Vettel's not been busy winning he's consistently finished on the podium - only once (ironically at his home round in Germany) has he failed to make the top three. Impressive you said?
Drivers' point standings (after Japan):
1. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull), 324 points
2. Jenson Button (McLaren), 210
3. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), 202
4. Mark Webber (Red Bull), 194
5. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), 178
etc.
 |
| Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull (Photo: Getty Images/Red Bull) |
The highly talented Red Bull Racing driver led the points standings throughout the season; from March's Australian Grand Prix to this weekend's Suzuka decider, the title has been his to lose.
Vettel's 2011 season so far has been impressive.
He's captured 12 from a possible 15 pole positions, and only once has he failed to make the front row of the grid. Just two more for Vettel would see him match Nigel Mansell's 1992 record (driving a Williams-Renault) of 14 in a season.
On race days, Vettel was equally strong. Nine wins from 15 races would be dominant enough, but when Vettel's not been busy winning he's consistently finished on the podium - only once (ironically at his home round in Germany) has he failed to make the top three. Impressive you said?
Drivers' point standings (after Japan):
1. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull), 324 points
2. Jenson Button (McLaren), 210
3. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), 202
4. Mark Webber (Red Bull), 194
5. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), 178
etc.
Article Gallery