Vettel aims for rare hat-trick in China

Sebastian Vettel will attempt to become the first driver in seven years to start the Formula One season with three straight wins as the racing series moves to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai this weekend.

The Red Bull driver won back-to-back races in Australia and Malaysia to start the year, although his margin of victory was slimmer last weekend in Sepang than it was in Melbourne.

The last driver to win three straight races to open the season was Michael Schumacher in 2004.

There's only a seven-day break between Malaysia and China, which should give Vettel an advantage as his rival teams will largely have the same parts as they had in the first two races.