After topping two of the three practice sessions in Austria, Sebastian Vettel could only qualify in third position on the grid behind the two Mercedes drivers, with the German feeling that he did not deserve to get the pole position.
The former four-time World Champion was 0.355s adrift of the ultimate pace in his Scuderia Ferrari on Saturday, but hopes to turn his fortunes around in the race on Sunday afternoon at the Red Bull Ring and fight for the victory against Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
“We didn’t deserve the pole position today, but tomorrow is a different day,” said Vettel. “We have a very good car, we’re very competitive, I feel very good in the car and the pace is good as well.
“We’ve proven that we can be quick in every session, even if yesterday they have been short ones. For the race we’re not the favourite, but we’ll push hard and try to put some pressure on the Mercedes. I would have loved to split them on the grid, but the gap is still too much at the moment.
“The position on the grid is great anyway and the race will be long. Normally between Saturday and Sunday we’re able to close the gap a bit, so hopefully the same will happen tomorrow.
“I believe here it’s important to have the confidence under braking, the two left handed turns in the second and third sector are quite tricky, you need to be happy with the car you’ve got and I am.
“Strategy for tomorrow has to be defined yet: number of pit stop and maybe safety car can change it, we’ll see. A big thanks to the guys in the garage for the work they did overnight!”
