Vettel hopes to avoid fine for steady diet of donuts

Sebastian Vettel said he does not believe he will be fined for celebrating his record-equalling seventh consecutive Formula One victory with a display of 'donuts' at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 26-year-old German was fined for performing donut spins and leaving his Red Bull car after he clinched his fourth world title at last Sunday's Indian Grand Prix.

But he believes things will be different this time.

"I brought the car back," he said. "I stuck to the rules - I hope we can provide a fuel sample because I burned some extra fuel.

"I spoke to the stewards after India, I was just happy. It is really nice with people all around and I think they loved it."

Vettel's dominant victory in Abu Dhabi matched compatriot Michael Schumacher's record of seven successive wins with Ferrari in 2004.

Only Alberto Ascari has scored more, during the world championship's Formula Two era in 1952-53.

Vettel said, however, that records are not what motivate him.

"It is not what makes me jump in the car," he said.

"The thing is that people see seven races, people don't see the challenge it takes every single race to nail it.

"I think it is exceptional we got everything right, the pit-stops, the reliability.

"The numbers are not important to me, but equally I am very, very proud. There are the most special drivers in the world in F1, I am old enough to realize that.

"I remember when I was a small kid watching F1 and Michael was with Ferrari and dominating F1 and had a very strong car, and strong team spirit for many years.

"To equal some of the stuff he managed to achieve is very special, not just for me but the whole team. They were special years and it is difficult to repeat a season like that.

"It comes once in a lifetime ... and now we can probably say it came across twice."

After Sunday's race, Vettel's Red Bull teammate, Australian Mark Webber, also spun some donuts.

"The problem is that it's catching now and Mark is doing it now too," said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

"It cost us 25,000 euros last week in donuts and we have eaten a fair few this week.

"Hopefully the stewards will be kind to us because the drivers brought the cars back.

"The supporters love to see the celebration.

"It's not great for the gearbox or the engine, but it's good for the drivers to let off steam, and there are only two races left."

(China Daily 11/05/2013 page24)