Vettel ready to see off Schumi threat

Sebastian Vettel insisted yesterday that he won't allow himself to be distracted by the high-profile return of German compatriot and friend Michael Schumacher to Formula One. "I get on well with Michael and it is fantastic that he is back," said Vettel, runner-up to Jenson Button last year. "But I am more concentrated on what I can do this time with the new car and new opportunity. I think last year we surprised a few people, but we have to prove we belong at the top this time."

Vettel and Australian team-mate Mark Webber represent one of the few unchanged line-ups this season and both believe that they have the potential and experience to run at the front again.