Vettel is F1's Rooney, says Red Bull boss

Berlin, Nov 8, 2011 (AFP) - World Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel has the same appetite for success as England football star Wayne Rooney, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

The German secured his 11th victory in 17 races this season at the Indian Grand Prix on October 30 and Horner says Vettel has the same burning desire to dominate on the track as Manchester United's Rooney has to score goals.

"On a football field, he would be a centre forward. A Wayne Rooney, who always wants to score goals," Horner, Red Bull's team manager, told German daily Die Welt.

The 24-year-old Vettel showed his ambition when he irked Horner by taking several risks to set the fastest lap on the Buddh International Circuit at Greater Noida, near Delhi.

Despite a clear lead in the race, Vettel pushed hard to set the course record against his team's advice, but Horner said there was little that could be done to stop him.

"He apologised for his little show," said Horner.

"He knows that we didn't like it. We did our best, but we couldn't do anything to stop him. We'd have needed to put a cow on the track."

With two Grand Prix races left this season, Horner says Vettel shows no sign of letting up in his desire to add to the 374 points he has already collected at the top of the drivers' world championships.

"He has a killer instinct, but he looks like an innocent lamb," said Horner.

"He is a perfectionist and extremely ambitious, if he goes from the paddock to the parking lot and there is someone in front of him, he has to pass them. Over-taking is in his blood."

The Grand Prix season continues on November 13 in Abu Dhabi and finishes in Brazil two weeks later.