Sebastian Vettel finished a brilliant 6th in Japan today, despite going off the track at the start following a touchdown with Fernando Alonso (pictured).
With 8 more points on the clock, Aston Martin F1 is now approaching Alfa Romeo in the constructors’ standings.
“Obviously it was a shame we only got half a race – but at least the people in the stands got to see some action,” commented Vettel.
« We were waiting for the restart to be dry in the garages, but I imagine it must have been rather unpleasant sitting outside in the rain for a couple of hours. I had a really good start but then crashed with another car (Alonso) at turn 1. I really didn’t see anything – I’m not sure, maybe I aquaplaned or I made a mistake – but I lost all the positions I had won and I ended up starting last. »
« When the race resumed we made the right decision to stop immediately for Inters. It was a great stop and then I pushed like crazy and managed to pass most of the field. That was a dream weekend – for us to score eight points is a mega result. I am sad to have driven my last race here, but it was a wonderful weekend, and to all the fantastic Suzuka fans, I can only say, ‘Thank you’. »
For Lance Stroll, an impressive first start in the rain but no points at the finish in the end.
« Before leaving I had noticed a strip of three asphalt and decided to go for it from the start. It worked really well – it was a really fun first lap. There was no a lot of grip on those first laps and very little visibility. It was a difficult decision for race direction to make, but it was clear that the race had to be stopped when Carlos [Sainz] crashed. I don’t think the visibility was much better on the restart, but it did improve towards the end. Overall it was an eventful race, the fans were amazing with the weather, and now we look to Austin and Mexico City. »
