Vettels hometown fizzes with joy

Date published : 09 Oct 2011 - 13:05:33

Sebastian Vettel's hometown erupted with joy here on Sunday as the young German as expected retained his Formula One world title after finishing third in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Around 1500 residents set off fireworks, broke open champagne and yelped with joy in a car sales courtyard as the 24-year-old cantered to the title with four races remaining to become the youngest driver successfully to defend his title.

"The atmosphere was simply marvellous even if it was a little bit tense as one never knows what could happen during a race," beamed Alex Moller, president of the first fan club of Vettel.

"There is a good chance he will come and celebrate his title with us next week, even before the end of the season."

Vettel, winner of 19 Grands Prix and who also has 33 podium finishes in just 77 races, was greeted by 10,000 adoring fans at the town's Exhibition Park - renamed 'Vettelsheim - when he returned with the title last year.

Nearly 1,000 diehard supporters had congregated an hour even before the race began in Suzuka to watch the race unfold on a giant screen.

However, they had to wait to buy the T-shirts '2011 world champion' printed by Vettel's family, who were loath to tempt fate.

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