Glock backs Vettel to extend winning streak in Abu Dhabi

The Formula One parade will soon be taking over the UAE capital and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will, as always, play an influential role on the outcome of the season’s championships.

Sebastian Vettel’s remarkable recent charge, during which he has won four consecutive races and led every lap of the last three, is a terrifying title warning to his rivals, and the German two-time world champion will head to the Yas Marina circuit deservedly as favourite.

Marussia driver Timo Glock agrees and has backed his compatriot to continue his incredible run by succeeding in Abu Dhabi and become just the seventh driver in Formula One history to win five or more consecutive races.

“It is very difficult to look past Sebastian Vettel for this race,” Glock told Sport360 at the launch of the new Armin Strom watches range at Dubai Mall.

“Sebastian and his Red Bull car look like they have the strongest overall package, he’s in great form, and he definitely has the best chance.”

But Glock warned: “You can never underestimate Fernando Alonso and Ferrari, or McLaren for that matter so it promises to be a very interesting race.

“But you’d have to say that Red Bull are slightly ahead.”

Glock, who used to race for Toyota before the Japanese manufacturer decided to pull out of F1, admitted he was delighted to be in the UAE for the Abu Dhabi fixture and revealed how he used a rather unconventional tactic in an attempt to relax ahead of race weekend.

“We flew over on Sunday night and I invited my car crew over to the Palm (Jumeirah) to do a sky-dive,” he said.

“I was doing one for a Formula One magazine so thought it would be a nice idea for the guys to get involved. We all really enjoyed it and it was a fun way to relax after a long hard season for everyone.”

The discussion soon shifted to this weekend’s race and Glock insisted that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is among his favourites in the Formula One calendar.

“It’s a really nice track and the whole structure and environment of the race is just great. I’d say one of the top five of the race season,” the 30-year-old explained.

“The whole organisation of the event is top notch and it’s a great package for the fans with lots of concerts going on in the background. Everyone seems to have a lot of fun at Abu Dhabi.”

He added: “For us as the drivers, starting a race in day light and finishing in the dark is a real one-off in the calendar and something I really enjoy.”

While Glock is a big admirer of the UAE, he revealed how he won't be able to enjoy the country's delights following the race on Sunday and will be heading home to see family and friends having been ‘on the road’ for over two weeks.

He concluded: “I’ll be going straight back to Europe on Sunday as we’ve got two weeks until the next race.

“I haven’t seen my family or my girlfriend for a few weeks so I’m looking forward to seeing everyone when I get home…Even if the weather is much nicer here!”

 

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