[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/sports-performance-prestige-cars\/vettel-pleased-with-damage-limitation-in-abu-dhabi\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/sports-performance-prestige-cars\/vettel-pleased-with-damage-limitation-in-abu-dhabi\/","headline":"Vettel pleased with damage limitation in Abu Dhabi","name":"Vettel pleased with damage limitation in Abu Dhabi","description":"Formula One (F1) drivers' championship leader Sebastian Vettel has claimed he is happy with his performance in last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which saw the Red Bull ace carve his way through the field to finish third. The reigning F1 world champion Vettel had to go about things the hard way on Sunday (November 4th), as he started from the pit lane due to a technical fault with under-fuelling during qualifying. It was evident from the off that the […]","datePublished":"2012-11-05","dateModified":"2012-11-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Vettel-takes-a-step-closer-to-2012-F1-title_16000857_801482455_0_0_7036392_500.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Vettel-takes-a-step-closer-to-2012-F1-title_16000857_801482455_0_0_7036392_500.jpg","height":500,"width":500},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/sports-performance-prestige-cars\/vettel-pleased-with-damage-limitation-in-abu-dhabi\/","about":["Sports \/ Performance & Prestige cars"],"wordCount":383,"keywords":["ferrari","formula one","lotus","McLaren","Red Bull"],"articleBody":"Formula One (F1) drivers' championship leader Sebastian Vettel has claimed he is happy with his performance in last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which saw the Red Bull ace carve his way through the field to finish third.The reigning F1 world champion Vettel had to go about things the hard way on Sunday (November 4th), as he started from the pit lane due to a technical fault with under-fuelling during qualifying.It was evident from the off that the German did not wish to relinquish the lead in the championship to Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and worked his way through the field not once, but twice to secure an important haul of championship points.It was not only Vettel celebrating come the chequered flag however, as Kimi Raikkonen proved he still has the pace and skill to mix it with the best of the best in F1.The Finn drove an immaculate race to take the victory in Abu Dhabi, starting from fourth on the grid and moving past the Williams of Pastor Maldonado and Red Bull of Mark Webber by the first corner of the race.This moved him into second position behind McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and when the Brit was forced to retire on lap 20 due to a technical fault with his car, Raikkonen was ready to pounce and moved into the race lead.It was a position he would hold until the chequered flag, securing his first win of the season and Lotus' first F1 victory since Ayrton Senna's success for the British marque way back in 1987.Despite the win, the strong performance of both Vettel and Alonso means the 2012 driver's championship race has now been whittled down to just two names. Vettel holds a ten-point lead over the Spaniard following his heroics in Abu Dhabi.Just two races remain in this season's F1 calendar – the USA Grand Prix on November 18th followed by the Brazilian Grand Prix a week later on the 25th – and whatever happens now, it is sure to be a thrilling culmination to what has been an enthralling year for F1 motorsport.For an expert, professional service and the best value for money cover, contact the sports, performance and prestige car insurance team at Performance Direct.Posted by Mark Thompson"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Sports Performance Prestige Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/sports-performance-prestige-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Vettel pleased with damage limitation in Abu Dhabi","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/sports-performance-prestige-cars\/vettel-pleased-with-damage-limitation-in-abu-dhabi\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]