Suzuka rain doesn't scare Vettel

Sebastian Vettel has no fears about the potential for rain to arrive at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver has struggled in wet conditions this year, coughing up a certain victory in Germany before the weather also hampered him in Hungary.

Vettel slipped into the barriers at Hockenheim with title rival Lewis Hamilton beginning to breathe down his neck before a chaotic qualifying sessions in Budapest and Spa that featured freak deluges also went the way of the Mercedes man.

Typhoon Kong-Rey is making progress towards Japan as action at Suzuka nears, with both Friday and Saturday forecast to be rain-affected, but Vettel has no concerns about his ability to perform if the weather does turn.

"I think there is nothing that speaks against us in wet conditions," he said.

"I think as you said, here and there it didn't play into our hands but it won't be like that forever, so I'm not afraid if it's wet."

Vettel last led the championship after winning the British Grand Prix in July, but Hamilton has taken victory in five of the following six races – only finishing behind his rival in Belgium.

Thursday at Suzuka. #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/LEtiM5D7W3 — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 4, 2018

Although he can win the remaining five grands prix and still see Hamilton crowned champion, Vettel dismissed the notion that Suzuka could represent his last chance to swing momentum his way.

"I don't like the now or never approach," he said. "I don't think there's much sense in that.

"I didn't know it was five out of six, now I know, so the secret before just now has been not to count.

"No, I think you attack every weekend, every weekend is different, the track is different, the circumstances are different, so I'm very happy to be here.

"I love this track, it's my favourite track in the world, so I'd better enjoy it and not spoil it by starting to count the things that are against me and focus on the things that are working for me."

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