Indian GP: Sebastian Vettel insists victory not guaranteed

The Red Bull driver secured his fifth pole of the 2012 season to set himself up perfectly to score a fourth consecutive victory following those in Singapore, Japan and Korea.

Championship rival Fernando Alonso qualified down in fifth position, boosting Vettel's chances of increasing his gap in the standings on Sunday.

"Tomorrow is the race. Today is qualifying," said a cautious Vettel. "There are no points scored today. It's better to have him behind than in front.

"Tomorrow is going to be a long race and what sort of race it is, we are going to find out. That is why we are looking forward to the race. I am happy to be in the position we are but we go from there tomorrow."

Vettel took pole after having to abort his first run in Q3 following a mistake under braking at Turn 4.

His next run, however, was good enough to beat team-mate Mark Webber.

"I had to abort the lap and focus on the second attempt, which was fine," Vettel added. "I was happy, braking a bit early for Turn 4. All in all a very good session for us, the car was fantastic.

"The support we had from Milton Keynes and the factory was incredible and a big thank you to the guys there. We took another step forward.

Today is a good result for us, but tomorrow is the main exercise. The McLarens were very quick on long runs and the Ferrari strategy could be a surprise, so we will see what happens."

Vettel reiterated that he would not look at where Alonso is and instead just focus on his own race.

"We have to focus on the start tomorrow and focus on ourselves. What the others are doing we cannot influence.

"Fernando could have been a second quicker today than anyone and there is nothing we could have done other than mind our business and get the fastest lap we can.

"It is a long race tomorrow, there are a lot of things that can happen. If we are ahead it is better than being behind."