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Vettel: F1 can learn from NASCAR

Sebastian Vettel believes Formula 1 can learn something from NASCAR after making a visit to the Sprint Cup Series finale at Homestead

The world championship runner up made his first visit to a NASCAR race courtesy of Red Bull, and got to spend some time with the team's drivers and learn about the series and its appeal in America.

Speaking to AUTOSPORT, Vettel said F1 should take note of the spectacle NASCAR provides for its fans.

"Here in NASCAR you have more than 100.000 people coming to see the races, it's always a big show," said Vettel. "So I think there's a lot of things we can learn because sometimes that's what people complain about, that Formula 1 is not exciting enough.

"Obviously the cars are very different, so it depends on what you like, but still if you're interested in motorsports, I think you can be very passionate about Formula 1, but I think for the show there are things we can learn.

"Some things will always be different, because Formula 1 is just not NASCAR and NASCAR is not Formula 1, but in America they're very good at how to put the show on and put the focus on the sport, the drivers.

"It's always a huge crowd, always packed and I think this is something we can learn in Europe, to make it more interesting for that many people."

While at Homestead, Vettel spoke with Juan Pablo Montoya about his reasons for switching from F1 to NASCAR, and said he now had a greater understanding of the Colombian's decision.

"In the end he probably didn't feel that comfortable in the world of Formula 1 and now he's here," said Vettel. "He's still the same guy, he seems very happy and it's good after some time to see him again.

"He doesn't have to say anything. You look at his face and you see the man is happy, so that's good. Doesn't matter if it's in Formula 1 or NASCAR."

The German admits to being curious about driving a stock car on an oval, and would like to have the chance to test one day, while stressing that his focus is on F1 for the forseeable future.

"To have a try probably yes [I would like to], and to see how it is on the oval," said Vettel.

"Speaking to Juan and other drivers, obviously the cars are much heavier, lazier, there's a lot more movement, whereas a Formula 1 car is very sharp and reactive and everything happens very fast - you have to catch the car quickly. Here you're sliding and making a lot of movements with the steering wheel. To have a try in a test would be nice."

As well as Vettel, former McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen is also visiting Homestead this weekend as a guest of Penske Racing.

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