Both Red Bull drivers will start tomorrow’s European Grand Prix from the front row today after Sebastian Vettel took pole position from Mark Webber by just eight hundredths of a second today in Valencia.
This performance makes it eight pole positions in nine races for the team, who weren’t expecting the RB6 to perform well around this Spanish street circuit having never scored points there.
“Valencia isn't usually – or shouldn't be – our strongest circuit so it's good that we are able to put the car on pole and I think our pace is looking very good,” said pole-sitter Vettel. “It was a tight qualifying session, and a tough one especially as we reintroduced the F-duct and I think some of the mechanics had maybe an hour or two's sleep last night, so it's good to say thank you by putting the cars on one and two. We're now in a very strong position to start tomorrow's race.”
Mark Webber compared the track to a supermarket facility after qualifying, but is optimistic of leaving here with a good result (and possibly a large trophy and a bottle of champagne sitting in his trolley). “It would be nice to be the other way around but you can't do it all the time!” said the Aussie. “I'm pleased to be on the front row with Seb, and all credit to the team. This isn't one of our strongest circuits and the track is like a Tesco car park, but we've had a good day and let's see how tomorrow goes. I'm very optimistic we can have a good race.”
Christian Horner admitted his surprise at such a good result, and congratulated both drivers and the wider team on their efforts today. “The one-two was completely unexpected at a track that might have exposed some of our weaknesses,” he said.
“The team has put a lot of hard work into the new duct, and that combined with other bits and pieces and perfect laps from both drivers has produced a great result to start tomorrow's race. We know the McLarens are quick in straight-line speed, but we are confident of a good race.”
