Vettel still 'patient' for Ferrari success

Jul.27 - Sebastian Vettel says he remains "patient" for success at Ferrari.

Amid talk in the media of a 'crisis' and that technical chief James Allison is set to leave, team boss Maurizio Arrivabene last Sunday denied that number 1 driver Vettel might also be running out of patience.

But publications including Spain's Marca quote the German as saying: "Generally, patience is not a feature of a racing driver because it contradicts all of its principles.

"But some things you know whether they need more or less time," he added ahead of his first home grand prix as a Ferrari driver this weekend at Hockenheim.

"My move to Ferrari was never on the basis that everything will work by tomorrow. The team is building itself up again and for that we need time," said Vettel.

Vettel, 29, said he hopes his presence in a red car this weekend, rekindling memories of Germany's greatest son Michael Schumacher, is a boost for the fans.

"It would be very nice," he answered when asked if it will boost spectator numbers. "For me I think it is something very special to drive a Ferrari for the first time in Germany.

"Let's see if the people also think it's special and there are more red caps than silver," Vettel smiled.

"(Hometown) Happenheim is not far from Hockenheim, only half an hour, so there will be lots of my family and friends at the track which makes it very special.

"I started racing in karts in Walldorf, which is only 5 kilometres away so it's like racing in my living room," he added.

However, Vettel currently lives with his partner and young children in Switzerland, but he said nothing will change his "identity" as a German.

"Of course, I've based my life now in Switzerland but my family and most of my friends are all still at home," he said.

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