Thousands of people began to party in Formula One great Sebastian Vettel's hometown of Heppenheim after the German was crowned world chamnpion for a fourth successive year following his victory in Sunday's Indian Grand Prix.
Around 3,500 people had watched the race early on Sunday on a giant screen in the town nicknamed 'Vettelheim' and the champion encouraged them to celebrate as he took to the microphone of RTL after the race.
"People now have a reason to drink," he yelled as he celebrated his 10th win of the campaign.
People had already started well before he gave them his blessing.
"The atmosphere is wonderful," said Alex Moeller, president of the leading Vettel fan club.
"Vettel was simply sovereign as usual," Moeller added before revealing that supporters of the Red Bull driver had come from all over Germany and even from abroad, notably Switzerland.
Vettel is likely to enjoy a ticker tape parade at Heppenheim, which has a population of 26,000 and is 50 kilometres north of Frankfurt, at the end of the season.
In 2011, the 26-year-old -- winner of 36 Grand Prix since he first raced in 2007 -- arrived in the town's main 'Europe Square' in his everyday car which caused quite a stir as it is nicknamed "Kinky Kylie".
Source: AFP
