Thaindian News

Greater Noida, Oct 30 (IANS) Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel says his win in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix was the one of the best in his career and he will take back a lot from the country which has inspired him immensely.

Vettel secured his second world title in Japan three weeks ago and Sunday won his 11th race of the season.

The German, who has not put a foot wrong this season, is floored by everything concerned with India.

He rates the Buddh International Circuit as one of the best on the F1 calendar, loves the people who according to him are poor but happy and can’t wait to come back next year.

“Coming to India has been an inspiration. A great learning experience,” said a humble Vettel.

“I haven’t spent a lot of time here but it was very inspiring when I had a bit of time to spend in the country. I went to see the Taj Mahal which is obviously a touristy thing to do but driving there by car, and not falling asleep because the roads were pretty… it was a good adventure, let’s say,” he said.

“All in all, it was great to be here, a great circuit, which obviously - speaking about our job, about racing, that’s what we judge most, the circuit is fantastic to drive. I was surprised that the race went by pretty quickly. I was always trying to keep the gap to him (Button), trying to push but my engineer came on the radio and said ‘twelve laps to go’ and I was surprised because I thought, bloody hell, that went by quickly. It is a good sign, because you enjoy the circuit and it is a good sign for the future.”

“It is great what people did here in a short amount of time. We heard about it (circuit) a couple of years ago but to put up this arena is incredible. Its not 100 per cent finished but I am sure they will fix it next year. I am very proud to be the first winner here in India. It is a very impressive country.”

Vettel says it was the first time he saw people happy despite being poor, something he hasn’t seen in Europe.

“I think some things are very difficult to imagine for us. If you look where we come from, I think it’s hard to imagine things if you haven’t seen them.

“The really surprising bit for us… where sometimes you measure happiness in our lives, in our world, with what you have achieved, what you have etc. For the people here, it doesn’t really matter, they are happy with what they have, even if you compare they have so little, but they are happy and friendly, helpful, respectful.

“The people have so little here I think in a way they are much richer than a lot of people back in Europe so there is a lot we can learn. They enjoy life and in the end that’s what count.

“If your life comes to an end, it is more about the thoughts, the emotions, the friendship that you take with you rather than what you have in your bank account,” said an emotional Vettel.

When asked to describe the country, Vettel promptly replied: “Incredible India”, sparking a loud round of applause from the local media.

(Bharat Sharma can be contacted at bharat.s@ians.in)