F1: Webber Pleased With Red Bull Progress

Formula 1

F1: Webber Pleased With Red Bull Progress

Red Bull RB9 gets tested by Mark Webber...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted February 06, 2013 Jerez, ES

Red Bull's Australian driver Mark Webber takes a curve with the RB9 during the second day of testing at Jerez racetrack, on February 6, 2013 in Jerez de la Frontera. (Photo: Getty Images)

Mark Webber said he was satisfied with the opening two days of running with the new Red Bull RB9 in Jerez, saying the team is better off than at this stage last year.

Although he paid no attention to times Webber was second fastest on Tuesday and fourth fastest today as the team worked through its program of test items. Sebastian Vettel arrived at the track today, and will take over the car on Thursday.

“I think in terms of consistency it’s great,” he 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 notched up his 28th season as a racing journalist in 2012. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.