How Vettel can become champion in Singapore

Sep 25, 2011, 9:59 GMT

Singapore - Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel stands on the brink of securing back-to-back titles in Sunday's Singapore Formula One Grand Prix.

Going into the 61-lap race on the bumpy 5.07-kilometres Marina Bay Street Circuit, the German leads the drivers' standings at 284 points with another five races remaining.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is second on 172 points, while McLaren's Jenson Button and Vettel's teammate Mark Webber share third place at 167 points.

Lewis Hamilton in the second McLaren is another 9 points adrift.

Starting from pole position, Vettel would clinch the championship and become the youngest F1 driver ever to defend his title if he manages to hold a lead of at least 125 points at the end of the race.

To secure the title in Sunday's race, Vettel has to be on the Singapore podium.

Alonso can spoil the German's party, if the Spaniard finishes on the podium. If Hamilton wins, Vettel's coronation would also be delayed.

To clinch the championship, 24-year-old Vettel must hope for one of three scenarios.

If Vettel wins in Singapore, Alonso must finish 4th or lower and Button and Webber must come in 3rd or lower.

If Vettel finishes 2nd, Hamilton must finish 3rd or lower, Alonso 8th or lower and Button and Webber 5th or lower.

A third rank would be enough for Vettel to wrap up the title if Hamilton finishes 4th or lower, Alonso 9th or lower and Button and Webber 7th or lower.

Read more about Motorsport F1 Vettel