Saturday: Red Bull, satisfied, monopolizes the front row!
After the modification of the technical regulations on blown diffusers, one might have wondered if Red Bull would need to change its strategy. Nothing of the sort, as the Austrian team still dominates the discussions today in qualifying. Both drivers monopolize the front row, leaving the scraps to Hamilton and Alonso. However, this will need to be confirmed in tomorrow's race.
Sebastian Vettel – 1st and 1st:
There was a lot of noise before the GP about the rule changes. We knew everyone would lose a bit of performance, but many hoped that we would be more disadvantaged than others, which I did not agree with.
Nevertheless, the day was very good for us, but it will be a long race tomorrow to confirm. It’s always difficult here. It’s a complicated circuit with lots of turns. I believe there are 25, so we have to be focused on each of them. I had a very good lap on my first timed lap. For Mark, it was the second. It’s a good result and a good place to start the race. We will see what happens.
Mark Webber – 4th and 2nd:
« It was a very good lap for me. There are so many corners here that it’s difficult to string them all together perfectly and on every lap but in the end, if you have to do it once, it’s just at the right moment that you have to pull it off. I didn’t have the most pleasant car to drive, but the team did a great job right up to the last lap and I managed to improve my last sector. Seb was also very strong on his first out lap. In the end, it’s a good day for the team, showing what we’re capable of to the naysayers. Of course, no points earned today, but we’re going to work for the race! »
Christian Horner – Team Principal:
A great team performance with both drivers on the front row. This is especially thanks to some very good free practice sessions that prepared us well – both on-site and back at the factory. Everyone is doing an amazing job, and we managed to secure pole today. No points were awarded today, but with the DRS zones where we are very strong, we are confident for tomorrow.
