Tost defends Vettel after crash

Sebastian Vettel's boss Franz Tost thinks it would be wrong to criticise the youngster over his crash with Mark Webber in the Japanese Grand Prix

Vettel had been on course for a surprise third place finish at Fuji when he ran into the back of Webber's Red Bull Racing machine when they were formed up behind the safety car.

And although it cost Toro Rosso a maiden podium finish, Tost insists that he is more positive about Vettel's pace than unhappy at the missed opportunity.

"It is mixed emotions, that is what motor racing is - ups and downs," Tost told autosport.com about his feelings after the race. "At the end, the positive emotions are a plus.

"First of all Sebastian showed a fantastic race, a fantastic performance. He showed that he is skilled to drive a F1 car, and unfortunately it happened during a safety car phase. This is something ridiculous, but it happened.

"But I must say we are much more looking forward to what I expect will be successful future with Sebastian, than thinking about this mistake."

Tost is convinced that Vettel will not let the disappointment of what happened in Japan affect his focus.

"He was very disappointed, but that is racing and the emotions must be stopped now," he said. "We are looking forward for the last two races and I am convinced that he will be 100 percent concentrated for his job in Shanghai and then we go to Sao Paolo.

"Anyway for Sebastian this year is a preparation for the future and I think all the race experience, especially after such incidents, will help him in the future. That is what counts."