Sebastian Vettel has played down his favourite tag as he prepares for the start of the new Formula One season.

The 22-year-old German accrued 84 points last year, 11 points adrift of world champion Jenson Button, and is expected to do well again in 2010.

However, the Red Bull driver, who won four races last year - in China, Great Britain, Japan and Abu Dhabi - said: "Being favourite or not, I set my target for myself. I know what I want to achieve this year.

"Most important now is that the car is running and that we improve the reliability and speed. First you need to make your car work, then you see where you are and, according to that, you set your expectations.

"For sure there is only one target, to be just one step better than last year. I want to win the world championship. If we are the favourites, that's fine. If not, that's fine too.

"Obviously I hope we are as strong as we were last year, or even stronger. Then you've got McLaren and Ferrari, who look very competitive already, and Mercedes with Michael (Schumacher). It's going to be an interesting season."