Relaxed Vettel will be better in 2011 - Sutil

Adrian Sutil has tipped Sebastian Vettel to be even better in 2011 now that he has won his first world championship.

German countryman Sutil, who drives for Force India, has been quoted this week as tipping his friend Lewis Hamilton as a serious title challenger in 2011.

But reigning constructors’ champions Red Bull are widely tipped to still have the benchmark car this year, and Sutil thinks new drivers’ title holder Vettel is all set for a stronger than ever campaign.

"Last year, Sebastian was very strong in qualifying against the supposed qualifying-specialist (Mark) Webber.

"Now, all the pressure is gone. After he was runner-up in 2009, everyone expected so much from him (in 2010) because the car was so strong," Sutil told Sport Bild.

"I expect him to move on now. He will be more relaxed and even better with a title in the bag."

Meanwhile, former ten-time F1 winner and team boss Gerhard Berger played down suggestions that the forthcoming period of testing will not be a reliable indicator of the competitiveness of the 2011-generation cars.

"A car that is fast now will stay fast for the season," insisted the Austrian.