Vettel excited about new car

London - Two-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel has spoken about his excitement at watching the new Red Bull car he hopes will deliver him a third consecutive title being born.

The German, in an interview with BBC Sport, said: "We are all curious about the car.

"We see it coming together. It's like a child being born. I'm not a father but they tell me that's how it feels."

Vettel proved he was no one hit wonder in 2011, cruising to a runaway defence of his title in Japan in October to become, at just 24 years and 98 days, the youngest back to back world champion.

He was joining a select club of nine including Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher of drivers to successfully defend the title.

He also established a new world record for most pole positions in a season, his 15 (from 19 races) surpassing Nigel Mansell's previous mark set in 1992.

In the BBC interview due to be broadcast on January 1 he said he was enjoying the Christmas break after a long season.

"There isn't much of an off-season, so it's really important to use that to shut the system down, calm down and charge the batteries - not forget about F1 but forget for a while about all the stress," he said.

"It all starts from zero again and we all have the same chance."

"I'm looking forward to the competition. We are all very happy with this year, so it wouldn't be right to ask for more. If we can match 2011 and do better here and there, that would be fantastic."

Despite his standing now as one of the sport's greats alongside the likes of Fangio and Senna he added: "You try not to think consciously about yourself and your success and what you might have achieved.

"But then when you see you are now at the same step as these guys. It is hard to put into words."