Ecclestone: Vettel can be as successful as Schumacher
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes that Sebastian Vettel can go on to match the achievements of Michael Schumacher.
Vettel currently leads the race for the 2012 F1 World Championship, and after dominating the Indian Grand Prix weekend thus far, is the favourite to win today [Sunday] and extend his six-point cushion over Fernando Alonso, as he looks to secure his third drivers' title in succession.
Speaking ahead of the event at the Buddh International Circuit, Ecclestone added that the Red Bull pilot has 'exploited his capabilities to the maximum'.
"I see no reason why Seb can't go on to achieve what Michael Schumacher has achieved in this sport, which is unsurpassed," Ecclestone confirmed to British newspaper, The Guardian.
"And Seb is up against much tougher opposition than Michael was. He's very honest. He's very dedicated. And he's very talented. He has made sure that he's exploited his capabilities to the maximum.
"We've always got on well [too]. And I think it helped us get on when he came into the sport and I identified him, straight away, as someone who would be world champion.
"We get on, we chat together, joke together and play backgammon together. I have always looked for people I can beat at backgammon."
Schumacher meanwhile is also of the belief that Vettel is something special: "In the long term, I think Sebastian will go on to become Germany's Mr Formula One," stated the 43-year-old.
