After the first two days of testing in Spain an optimistic Mark Webber says that Red Bull is better off than at this stage in 2012.
Although he paid no attention to overall lap times Webber was second fastest on Tuesday and fourth fastest today as the team worked through its programme of test items. Sebastian Vettel arrived at the track this afternoon, and the triple World Champion will take over the car on Thursday.
“I think in terms of consistency it’s great,” Webber said of the car. “I’m very happy with the car and myself. I might have bombed a few laps here and there, but I’ve done 170 or more, which is a good total for the first two days with a new car. Overall, it’s been very good. The car gives me the confidence to push pretty hard and that’s always an indication that you have something you can build on.
“The run plan this morning was pretty ambitious, but we have a lot of departments in the team looking for feedback, so it was important to get through the list. We accomplished most of it and that’s all you can ask for. People always ask about the times being done up and down the pit lane but, to be honest, I haven’t looked. We can only look at what we’re doing, and so far we’re satisfied with where we are.
“We’ve learned a lot more since yesterday and I’m sure that will continue tomorrow with Sebastian. I think we’ve put the car in a good position for him and hopefully he’ll be able to push on from there.
“If you ask me where I think we are compared to this time last year, I’d say we’re in a better position, but of course a lot of that is down to a lack of regulation changes.”
Adam Cooper F1 