There is an article on autosport website that only Vettel took time out to visit Pirelli factory to understand the tyres and prepare in advance. I cant get access to the full article, maybe someone can post a link to the whole article, but it again goes to show his professionalism and focus on getting every advantage possible for success.
Considering the teams stayed back at the Yas Marina track to test the new tyres last year it's hard to judge what he gained from a factory visit given that all the data would have been gathered by then. McLaren ran their 2010 car as a base line for the first few tests this year with the new tyres and you could argue that there is more information to be gained there than from a factory tour. Since Red Bull exceeded the manufacturers recommendations for camber and risked damage to their tyres and ultimately risking their drivers it seems that whatever Sebastien learnt he didn't share with the team ;-)
Yes I saw that, and it doesn't seem strange why he was better getting away from the blocks quicker than anybody else for the first 5 races.
James Allen said the other week that Vettel was with the Pirelli guys until 10:30pm after the British GP. I'm surprised the others aren't spending more time with them, aside from the point about understanding the tyres, Pirelli have frequently said their 2009 Toyota is becoming less and less relevant, they'll be developing their tyres based on driver feedback and if Vettel's the only one really putting the hours in he's likely to have tyres more to his liking next season, Red Bull will also have more of a clue about how to design their car for next season around the tyres.
I went down to the start/finish straight after Silverstone and Webber was there helping the engineers pack up!
I think most drivers got to grips with the tyres except Mark, which made it look like Vettel was best on his tyres. Perez has shown that he is very good with them, hes made the least pit stops of anyone.
McLarens exhaust was eating their tyres. Tyre wise I think Button probably has a better time with his tyres than even Vettel. The RB7's efficient downforce means the tyres are doing less work anyway.
Vettel is very professional! Ive read that he stays up to talk to the engineers and to see where they can gain more! Alot of the other drivers are probably away off to bed with their girlfriends at this point!
Meanwhile the engineers are looking at their watches thinking : "Bloody bog off home, we'll never make last orders at this rate."
maybe its why Seb doesn't bring his girlfriend to the races, so he doesn't get lured away and can keep working!!!
Well... we can't all be perfect. Though I don't recall Mrs. Schumacher causing Mr. Schumacher that many title losses.
Lol, any German would. Kinda reminds me of in Canada in the 2-hour red flag session when Schumacher cornered one of his engineers and started talking to him. The guy looked like he just wanted to get outta there