Vettel 'definitely' headed for 2011 title

Aug.31 (GMM) Yet another member of the formula one paddock believes Sebastian Vettel is "definitely" cruising to the 2011 title.

Adrian Sutil, Force India

Photo by: xpb.cc

After a victory drought that extended throughout July, the Red Bull driver returned to the top step of the podium at Spa-Francorchamps, extending his lead to 92 points with just seven races to go.

"I think he definitely has the title," Force India driver and German compatriot Adrian Sutil told Auto Motor und Sport in an interview.

"In the next races he really only needs to take points, so I don't see there is any danger for him.

"Behind him it is still exciting but the world champion is for sure," added Sutil.

Mathematically, however, the title is still on, with Mark Webber needing to score over 13 points more than his teammate per race to beat Vettel at November's finale.

For comparison, the difference between first and third places at grands prix is only 10 points, so a string of mere victories will not be enough for Vettel's chasers.

"Let's be realistic," La Stampa quotes Ferrari's Fernando Alonso - who is a further ten points behind Webber - as saying. "It (the championship) is not in our hands."

The Spaniard's boss Stefano Domenicali added: "I can not hide the fact that our heads are already turning towards 2012."

But his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner refuses to celebrate just yet.

"We don't alter our approach, absolutely not, and I can assure you Mark still has a free run at it," The Sun quotes him as saying.

"There will be no complacency. We're heads down (and) focused on the next race and not thinking anything is done and dusted at this point in time," added Horner.