Vettel cools saga over possible Ferrari move

VALENCIA - Agence France-Presse

German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing steers his car during the second practice session at the Valencia street circuit, in Valencia, Spain, 22 June 2012. EPA photo

Defending double world champion Sebastian Vettel has reacted coolly amid speculation that he might move to join Fernando Alonso at Ferrari in an F1 “super-team” in 2014.

The speculation was sparked by comments from Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali, who heaped praise on the German, currently with Red Bull.

In comments that first appeared in German publications Sport Bild and Auto Bild and were later published on his team’s website, Domenicali said that the two world champions could “co-exist” at Ferrari.

“I think they are both intelligent guys and they could easily co-exist together,” he said.

Alonso said he would have no problem with the German joining him at Ferrari in the future when he was asked about such a move as the teams gathered in the Valencia paddock on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s European Grand Prix.

When asked what he thought, Vettel told reporters: “It’s very nice to hear that. I respect Ferrari a lot, I respect Fernando a lot. I see it as a compliment.

“I’m flattered, obviously. I’ve always said that Ferrari is a great team with a great history, a great tradition, in Formula 1 in particular. But as I’ve said before, I’m very happy with where I am at the moment.”

Vettel added that he was not unsettled by rumors about him in the driver market and said he felt that none of his championship rivals could afford to become distracted by talk of the future.