Vettel surprised to win Nations Cup

The Formula One driver saved teammate Michael Schumacher's blushes to grab victory over new McLaren signing Heikki Kovalainen in the tie-breaker final against Finland, having beaten Marcus Gronholm in his own match.

Having seen Schumacher throw away his own tie by stalling at the line, gifting Kovalainen an easy win, the pressure was on Vettel to overcome Gronholm.

And with their contest taking place in Gronholm's own Ford Focus WRC car, Vettel said he was already preparing his excuses for losing out to Finland.

"I didn't expect that to be honest," said Vettel after grabbing the victor's trophy. "I was racing first against Marcus in his car, his own living room if you like, and I was already putting the excuses together about why I lost. I didn't expect it at all to be honest.

"When I then got Heikki for tonight, he won the first time and I didn't think I could do the same as a rookie because he has done quite well in recent years and has a lot of experience.

"But it was good. I had a strong teammate at the beginning when I needed some time to get started, but it was quite good.

"We had a draw against England, which was quite spectacular and the crowd were quite alive, but this time we didn't have to bring the third round (decider)."

Vettel said that he was also glad that he did not follow the advice of Red Bull driver David Coulthard, who had suggested the young German should enjoy himself as much as possible on Saturday night.

"I asked David yesterday about what preparations I should do for here and he said that all the other years he didn't drink on a Saturday night.

"He gave me the advice that you are not allowed to come to the event not drunk. I am glad I didn't follow his advice."