Sebastian Vettel admits Ferrari cannot afford to let another potential victory slip through their grasp after the disappointment of Singapore and Malaysia.

Having dramatically crashed out at Marina Bay, Vettel was forced to settle for fourth at Sepang after an engine problem in qualifying. 

The Ferrari looked to be the quickest car on both occasions, but the German's woes have seen him fall 34 points behind title rival Lewis Hamilton.

Vettel, though, has been encouraged by the Scuderia's pace and remains in a confident mood ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

"There is always hope," the four-time world champion said. "Sure, the last two races were far from being ideal, but we will continue to work hard.

"To bury one's head in the sand is absolutely no option. What is important is that our car is good.

"The package is right, we have all the right ingredients, now we have to bring it to the track. And

"And hopefully one or the other things work out to our advantage. Lately that was not really the case."

"I have never been the type who is looking behind too much. And had the last two races been fantastic, you also would not look behind saying: 'Wow, that was a ball!' 

Vettel says the team must make the most of every opportunity if he is to reel in Hamilton.

"Of course, if I could choose I would want it the other way around," he said. "But Formula 1 is not a request program, you have to take it as it comes. 

"And that means if we are in the position to win a race, we have to win it.

"We are behind, so all will depend on what Mercedes is doing. And one thing is clear, we need to score more than them! How we achieve it doesn't matter, as long as we achieve it!"

Vettel is eyeing a fifth victory at Suzuka after previous triumphs in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.