Vettel Boosts Ticket Sales at Nurburgring

Vettel, surrounded by journalists at the British GP

After a 2-year draught, the German fans finally have someone to rule for during their annual German Grand Prix. The Nurburgring crowd was left without a driver to give their unconditional support back in 2006, when Michael Schumacher decided to withdraw from the sport, but their hopes of cheering for another native F1 champion have gone up this season.

Vettel, who last week turned 22, is regarded as the main attraction for the upcoming race at “The Ring”, as he's the best chance in years for the home fans to see one of their own on the overall podium. His commanding victory at Silverstone three weekends ago – his 3rd in Formula One – has turned the table in the drivers' standings, where he is now regarded as Jenson Button's main rival for the title.

The German organizers are very well aware of the fact that Vettel's success in this year's Formula One will only be a positive factor in selling tickets, as well as in creating a hot atmosphere this weekend.

“Quite honestly, Sebastian Vettel is a gift to us,” circuit managing director Walter Kafitz was quoted as saying to the German news agency SID.

Although a nation with great history in F1, Germany did not see a lot of people attending their home Gps in recent years. Financial losses were actually the reason why Hockenheim is on the verge of losing its place in next year's calendar. However, this year's ticket sales ahead of the German GP have reached a decent level. As confirmed by Kafitz, “tickets have been selling on the level of 2007,” mainly because of Vettel's recent success in the series.