Sebastian Vettel ready to shine in 2009

Mar 19, 2009, 14:20 GMT

German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Toro Rosso walks through the pitlane after the third practice session at the race track in Interlagos near Sao Paulo in Brazil, 01 November 2008. EPA/GERO BRELOER

Hamburg - Sebastian Vettel certainly isn't getting carried away by all the hype surrounding him ahead of the 2009 Formula One season.

The 21-year-old German had a stand-out 2008 with Toro Rosso, finishing seventh in the drivers' world championship and becoming the youngest grand prix winner in the sport at the Italian GP in Monza.

Vettel's performances saw Toro Rosso's mother team Red Bull quickly move to sign him up for 2009 and led many commentators to say he is a world champion in the making.

'We should count ourselves fortunate that we have someone like him in Formula One,' said F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who sees many similarities between Vettel and German F1 legend Michael Schumacher, winner of a record seven world titles.

'The pair have two things in common: exceptional talent and an incredible work ethic,' said Ecclestone.

Vettel's new team-mate Mark Webber, meanwhile, says he is delighted to be partnering one of F1's up and coming stars.

'It's great for the team. Red Bull did really well to hold on to him,' said the Australian.

While many commentators expect Vettel to once again show that he is world champion material, the man from Heppenheim is just concentrating on achieving his own personal goals.

'I don't care what other other people expect of me, I know where I want to go,' he said.

Vettel has already had one spell at Red Bull while he has also had driving time with BMW-Sauber. In 2006 in Istanbul, Vettel caused a stir when he challenged the established names while testing for BMW at Friday practice ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix.

A year later, he became the youngest F1 driver in history to score points when he finished seventh in the US Grand Prix while driving as a replacement for Robert Kubica, who was deemed unfit following a heavy crash at the Canadian GP a week earlier.

Shortly afterwards, Vettel moved to Toro Rosso where the highpoint was securing the team's first ever GP win at Monza. Now a new chapter begins at Red Bull.

'I hope that I continue to learn,' said Vettel of his expectations at the new team. 'The people here have a lot of faith in me.'

Vettel has a two-year contract with the Austrian team financed by drinks manufacturing billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, who is aware his team will have to deliver a competitive package.

'If we aren't in a position to give him a top-class car we certainly don't want to block his way towards a world title,' said Mateschitz.