Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel is adamant his motivation remains high ahead of the new season.

The 24-year-old has won the drivers' championship for the last two years and triumphed in 11 of the 19 races in 2011.

"We are ready to fight again," Vettel said.

"It will be a very, very long and tough way but we are all motivated to go that way again."

"I think you always have pressure, so being one of the champions on the grid is obviously a very nice feeling, but I think you take every year as a new year and a new challenge."

The 2012 season begins in Melbourne on March 18 and Vettel said winning the first race of the new campaign will not be easy.

"Australia is a tough track for both the car and the drivers," he said.

"It's quite bumpy, it's not a permanent race track, it's held on a normal street so it's quite rough and easy for the car to break down or for the driver to make a mistake so you need everything coming together."

"Last year we had a very good race there with no trouble so we hope this year the car survives and also from my point of view I hope that I stay on track and we'll have a good race."