Red Bull: short gear ratios for Vettel. Winning gamble?

Sebastian Vettel took pole yesterday in Monza with half a second ahead of the McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button despite the shortcomings of the Renault engine having led many to think of the German's supremacy being less marked than usual.

His top speed was 327.7 km/h, 14.5 km/h less than that of Fernando Alonso (342.2 km/h), who was the fastest among the drivers in the top positions at the speed trap.
Vettel's RB7 would in fact have been specifically prepared for qualifying, with a very short seventh gear.

“Vettel plans to escape using pole,” said Mercedes' Ross Brawn. “If he manages to keep the lead at the start he will have a solo race. His car is set up for lap times, not for top speed” added the Englishman.

If Vettel is overtaken at the start he could find himself in difficulty as the short gear ratios would not allow him to make the most of the DRS.

“In fact, we have a good chance of getting our first double of 2011, I'm optimistic,” said Lewis Hamilton.

“If Vettel wants to pass anyone, he will already be at the rev limit,” added Button.

“If Vettel finds himself behind, it will be difficult to overtake,” explained a Renault engineer.