First Ferrari target is a podium

Sebastian Vettel

(GMM) Sebastian Vettel says he has arrived at Ferrari with the passion the most fabled name in formula one deserves.

"Many things have changed" at the Maranello team, the former Red Bull driver and German told the Italian broadcaster Rai. "Even a driver," he smiled.

Indeed, it was rare to see the former quadruple world champion smile at all last year, as his ex-boss Christian Horner revealed the 27-year-old even contemplated quitting the sport amid the sport's switch to V6 power.

Vettel is a much bigger fan of the F1 of Michael Schumacher's day, when the cars were loud and powerful and hard to drive.

He admitted he liked the look of Ferrari's computer-designed 'concept car'.

"Very cool," said Vettel.

"I think if you add to the picture a lot of power, it would be good to get back to where we were ten years ago.

"From the driver's perspective that would be really great," he admitted.

But for now, Vettel has re-kindled his smile and motivation by entering the passionate world created by the great Enzo Ferrari.

"For me it's a dream to be part of this team," he confirmed. "I am very happy to be here but it is obvious that the key for everyone is to win, and that's my ambition as well."

Vettel said winning at Monaco in a red car is one target in his mind, while "I don't even dream of a victory at Monza," he beamed.

He joins new boss Maurizio Arrivabene, however, in not declaring Ferrari the 'winter world champion' based on the new SF15-T's promising test form.

"We have a good car to work with," said Vettel, "but we cannot think anything more than that.

"If you race to win you need to be in a position to beat Mercedes, but I think we can certainly hope to be back on the podium soon," he insisted.

Finally, Vettel confirmed he is in yet another race — to perfect his grasp of the Italian language.

"I am making progress," he smiled again. "I am doing quite well in terms of understanding, but my vocabulary is still quite lacking."