Ecclestone wants new world champion

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is hoping Sebastian Vettel or Felipe Massa can clinch this year's world title.

Ecclestone has always had a soft spot for Red Bull Racing's Vettel, often hailing him as a future world champion, and he said on Saturday: "I said a year or two ago he'd be world champion. He's not there yet, but you can see he has all the capabilities."

Asked if he felt this would be Vettel's year, he replied: "I hope so, him or Felipe. He's been unlucky. Both the guys could have been world champion."

Ecclestone was referring to Massa's near miss in Brazil in 2008 when he lost the title by just 20 seconds to Lewis Hamilton.

The Brazilian then required life-saving surgery after an accident in qualifying for the Hungary Grand Prix eight months ago.

In his first qualifying outing since then at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Massa's performance was a surprise as he outpaced Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso to grab his first front-row start since the 2008 race at Interlagos.

It had Vettel, who claimed pole, applauding the 28-year-old as he said: "I think I am speaking more or less on behalf of all the drivers, give some great respect to Felipe for what he has achieved.

"First race he is back and he is bang, bang, bang. It is good to have him back."

Date published : 13 Mar 2010 - 18:20:24