PREVIEW: Vettel keeps focus as F1 seeks fitting show for Japan

By Christian Hollmann Oct 6, 2011, 10:16 GMT

Suzuka, Japan - Sebastian Vettel says he will be putting the world title out of his mind when he steers his Red Bull onto the Suzuka circuit this weekend.

The 24-year-old German is on the brink of his second successive title, knowing only a point at the Japanese Grand Prix - or 10th place - will suffice with five races to go of the season.

Only McLaren's Jenson Button has a mathematical chance of overhauling Vettel, but the Briton concedes he is now racing for second place.

There is no reason to suggest Vettel's dominance of the season will change on Sunday at a track many drivers consider one of their favourites.

And even if Vettel, whose worse finish so far this year is fourth, were not to gain a single point in the last five races, Button would have to win all of those GPs.

'I am trying not to think about the world title but only focusing on the race,' Vettel said.

He would though would rather be celebrating the title with a victory in Suzuka, where he has won the last two Japanese GPs from pole position.

'Obviously with the races that we've had so far, it should not be a big problem, but it's over when it's over and not before,' Vettel said.

Vettel joined many drivers this week in saying they were looking forward to racing in Japan to show support for a country still recovering from the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.

'The fans in Japan are special,' he said. 'They are extremely patient and always polite and friendly and their stamina is amazing. I hope we can put on a good show for them this weekend.'

Button, whose girlfriend is the Japanese model Jessica Michibata,, said the race would be an emotional experience.

'I consider Japan my second home - it's a place that's very close to my heart, and, obviously, it's going to be a very emotional experience for me to be racing in Japan for the first time since the events of last March,' he said.

'I'm very proud that the Formula One world championship will put Japan on the world's sporting stage next weekend.

'While the country is still collectively rebuilding itself, I'm deeply aware that sport can play a significant role in helping to restore hope and normality to communities that were torn apart by the earthquake and tsunami.'

Vettel is set to become the youngest driver, at 24 years and 98 days, to win successive titles, beating Spain's Fernando Alonso who was 26 years and 292 days when he won his his second straight title in 2006.

Vettel has amassed 309 points in the standings, while Button is on 185, Alonso on 184, Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber on 182 and Button's team-mate Lewis Hamilton on 168.

Ferrari's Alonso said he remained motivated even though the title race was over for him.

'Even if it's true we are no longer even mathematically in the hunt for the drivers' title, there are still plenty of reasons to retain our motivation to tackle these last five races with the right attitude,' he said.

'First of all there's second place in the drivers' table. Given how the season has gone so far, with Vettel totally dominant, failing to get on the podium only once, being runner-up would really be a great result for me and for the team.'