Sebastian Vettel believes that Ferrari can challenge for a double podium finish in tomorrow’s Italian Grand Prix after a good qualifying display on Saturday at Monza.
At its home race, Ferrari saw its drivers qualify second and third as Kimi Raikkonen edged out Vettel with his last lap in Q3.
Both drivers managed to out-qualify Mercedes’ championship contender Nico Rosberg, who could only finish fourth after downgrading his power unit earlier in the day due to a problem.
Speaking after qualifying, Vettel was delighted to have qualified so well at Ferrari’s home race in front of the team’s loyal Tifosi fanbase.
“First of all I think it’s a fantastic result,” Vettel said. “Obviously second and third and very close to Lewis [Hamilton], I think that’s the main positive of the day, which makes us positive for tomorrow.
“As Kimi touched on obviously, it’s our home race so it’s really something special every time you drive past. Obviously this is the first time for me in red, and to see all the support and all the Tifosi standing up and waving the flags and just jumping in the grandstands up and down.
“It makes me definitely feel different to other races I have done before, so I’m trying to take it all in and enjoy the day as well tomorrow. Hopefully we can both be on the podium tomorrow.”
Vettel joked that he would not mind if Hamilton did not finish on the podium in the race on Sunday to pave the way for one of the Ferrari drivers to win on home soil.
“Sorry Lewis, but I wouldn’t mind if you weren’t on the podium!” Vettel laughed. “You can be, but only if we’re both ahead of you. That would obviously be a dream coming true.
“I think dreaming is allowed, nevertheless you have to be realistic. It’s going to be a tough race tomorrow. These guys have some serious pace in the race as we’ve found out many times this year.
“Nevertheless, we try to fight and do everything we can. We’ve got the people behind us so let’s see what we can do.”
The Italian Grand Prix is live on NBCSN and Live Extra from 7:30am ET on Sunday.
