Indian GP: Vettel says late car issue did not affect him at all

Ferrari urged runner-up Fernando Alonso to keep giving chase to his title rival after an unusual amount of sparks appeared from underneath the Red Bull late on.

Vettel remained nine seconds clear and secured his fourth consecutive win.

"I noticed the problem, I think it was when I got DRS from a backmarker pretty close to the end of the race," he said.

"I didn't feel anything with the balance and on the other laps.

"We need to analyse the problem, but it didn't cost us or slow us down."

The world champion led throughout the race, and said it had been crucial to get away at the start on a day when Alonso's Ferrari in particular appeared close to Red Bull's pace.

"I enjoyed the race a lot," said Vettel. "It was crucial to open a gap in the first stint, to break DRS to Mark [Webber].

"It was quite close at Turn 1, I was able to get good exit out of Turn 3, then was able to open the gap, not just to Mark but also the cars behind."

The result extends Vettel's championship lead to 13 points with three rounds to go. Despite his current dominant form, he insisted he was not yet allowing himself to consider a third world title guaranteed.

"To think of the championship, this was a good step for us," he acknowledged.

"We have seen for us how quickly things can change. This feels so fantastic and it is great to have a race come the way you want it to. I am proud and happy and enjoying it.

"That was today and we are focusing on Abu Dhabi next week. There is a lot more to come and we take things step by step."