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Niki Lauda admits that he expected Sebastian Vettel to start today's Chinese Grand Prix from pole position, revealing he had a €10 bet with Toto Wolff on the German nicking the fastest lap.
However, Lewis Hamilton prevailed and starts the race from pole, with Vettel having to settle for second - the position he started two weeks ago for the Australian Grand Prix which he went on to win.
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When asked if he thought Ferrari had pole position locked up, Lauda told Sky Sports: "Yeah. I made a bet with Toto, 10 Euros on Vettel! He really looked quick in the car, everything was right. But Lewis, thank god, put out one of his special laps. For Bottas to be one thousandth of a second third, I'm sorry but it's close."
While Mercedes have dominated Formula 1 since the introduction of the power units in 2014, Lauda believes that Ferrari is right with the Silver Arrows this year, and will give them a hard fight for both titles.
"The explanation is that Ferrari grew up in the Barcelona tests, won the first race, so it is very close between us at the moment. I think in qualifying we are still quicker but let's wait and see what happens in the race."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Good thing is was a local and joke bet!!