If one trend could sum up the 2011 Formula One World Championship so far, it would surely be the domination of Sebastian Vettel. The reigning champion has put up an unsurpassed fight to defend his title, claiming pole position eleven out of fourteen races so far this season, and turning them into nine checkered flags. In fact, Vettel has finished on the podium at every grand prix this season but one, having finished fourth at his home race in Germany.

On the home stretch of such a dominant campaign, and with five races still to go before the end of the season, Vettel’s lead had grown so insurmountable as to have practically crowned him World Champion already. Almost, anyway, as just one point would be all he’d need to lock up the title in Japan. And if Jenson Button – his closest rival – would not win the race, Vettel wouldn’t even need that point. It was pretty much a given, then, that Vettel would claim the title for the second year running. But his rivals wouldn’t make it easy for him. Follow the jump to read how it went down.

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Even though “recession” and “double-dip” are familiar to anyone au courant with headlines, to the bidders at Pebble Beach auctions, the first is a lexicological sibling of “recede” and the second is dessert. That’s why Gooding & Company was able to make the till ring like a fire alarm again his year, selling 106 of 127 lots for more than $78 million and setting 19 records for cars sold at auction.

One of those lots was a 1921 Bentley 3-LItre, Chassis #3, and the oldest production Bentley in existence. Follow the jump for the story behind it…