FORZA FERRARI
On his way to winning the Bahrain Grand Prix , Ferrari ’ s Sebastian Vettel found his mind wandering to next week ’ s first in-season Formula 1 test and how much he was looking forward to it .
The four-times world champion , now seven points clear of Mercedes ’ s Lewis Hamilton after winning two of the first three races , is enjoying his best start to a season since his dominant 2011 Red Bull campaign .
That year he also won two of the first three and went on to take his second title .
The German , who did not start in Bahrain a year ago in a season that Ferrari completed without a win , is having the time of his life again and relishing the battle with Mercedes .
“ The last half of the in-lap ( after the finish ) when all the fireworks were there and track was lit up , it was ‘ I just love what I do ’. I didn ’ t find any words ,” he said . “ I ’ m really enjoying it , the car has been a pleasure .”
Last year was the first , and to date only , no-start of Vettel ’ s Formula 1 career , with the car breaking down on the formation lap at the desert circuit , but Sunday proved an evening to savour . The groundwork for a title challenge laid last year is bearing fruit .