Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were the two fastest drivers in this afternoon’s practice session in Barcelona, showing that Red Bull are still the team to beat in Formula 1.
Vettel topped the timesheets, but was quick to dismiss Friday lap times as meaningless. The German also thinks that, although Red Bull’s rivals have brought more significant upgrades to Spain, the team have made good progress in the car’s development. “We've got a few changes on our car,” explained Vettel, “but I don't think anything as significant as perhaps some of the other teams have. There's a little bit everywhere on ours and I think we've proved today that our changes work.
“I think the lap times are irrelevant from a Friday. It's good to be fast, but I think the McLarens are quick here – I don't think they were pushing hard this afternoon and I think it will be much closer tomorrow.”
Mark Webber is also wary of the McLaren’s pace, but thinks that Friday has gone well for Red Bull. “That was a good day for us – we had a smooth run, a nice P1 and P2 with no interruption from the weather or things like that. The guys worked faultlessly in the garage, the driver did a little bit as well and it was a good day.
“Don't read too much into the times; McLaren probably weren't showing everything today. It was a very late night for the team last night, but a positive day today and hopefully we're well prepared for tomorrow.”
Red Bull have had a car on pole position at every race this season, and on this performance, look set to continue this streak tomorrow.
