Vettel Doesn't Care of Favorite Status

Sebastian Vettel doesn't seem too affected by the favorite status stamped on his back by several F1 pundits out there – one of his supporters is the very boss of Formula One, Bernie Ecclestone – as he reckons it will be the car who will count the most in the title fight this season.

With competition like Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa for the world title, having a race winning car to rely on during tough moments will be decisive throughout the 2010 campaign. So, as flattered as he might be of the favorite status, Vettel admitted he already set his goals for this year and will try to achieve it regardless of what people think of him.

“Happy (about the status), but I don't really care. Being favorite or not, I set my target for myself. I know what I want to achieve this year. Most important now is that the car is running and that we improve the reliability and speed,” said Vettel during the unveiling of their 2010 single-seater, the RB6, at Jerez.

“First you need to make your car work, then you see where you are and according to that you set your expectations. For sure there is only one target, to be just one step better than last year. I want to win the world championship. If we are the favourites, that's fine. If not, that's fine too,” added the German driver, who was runner-up in the series last season.

Looking ahead at the competition for 2010, Vettel admitted that the new season will be one of the best in years. However, naming title favorites is out of the question for the time being.

“Obviously I hope we are as strong as we were last year, or even stronger. Then you've got McLaren and Ferrari, who look very competitive already, and Mercedes with Michael. It's going to be an interesting season for you,” concluded Vettel.