Assessment: Red Bull truly had wings at Silverstone!

The battle of this 2009 Formula 1 season is clearly between Red Bull and Brawn GP. While the advantage was with Brawn GP since the beginning of the year, Red Bull managed to turn the tide and challenge Ross Brawn’s BGP 001. Adrian Newey thus secures a double victory at Silverstone with Vettel at the forefront and Webber ensuring solid support.

The RB5 had new developments this weekend, including a new front wing and nose which are visibly working very well. The RB5 is performing, and the drivers have potential. No mistakes and an effective strategy allowed the team to secure its first double victory in history.

A performance to repeat in three weeks in Germany, even if many things will have changed by then. One word for now: Paradise.

Sebastian Vettel – 1st:

« It’s a superb circuit. I think all drivers must appreciate it, especially for its fast corners. It’s a pleasure to drive there, and it’s so difficult to stay focused throughout the race. The start was really important, and I knew it was crucial to create a gap with Barrichello to make the strategy work. The car was fantastic, and it’s an incredible performance. I could push harder all the time, and the tires kept up with the pace very well. »

« The second relay was more difficult; I had to overtake backmarkers who were fighting among themselves. So, the team told me to be very careful. Once I made my second pit stop, I had a clear track and only had to count the remaining laps as my gap with Mark [Webber] was sufficient.

« We must thank the team, we are on the right track and all the improvements are bearing fruit, but I also want to thank this circuit. The people here are amazing and I’ve always wanted to win here since I saw Mansell win. He was cheered and today, I am very happy to be in his place, truly. The crowd was great! »

Mark Webber – 2nd:

« It’s a big day for the team. I’m disappointed not to have won, but I think I lost my chances after the qualifications yesterday. I should have been at the front, and that way I could have made it more difficult for Sebastian [Vettel] than by being behind Barrichello. Nevertheless, I was able to save a lot of fuel in my first stint and therefore overtake Barrichello more easily during my pit stop. I don’t think I could have done better today, so congratulations to my teammate. He had a superb first stint, very important for the victory. »

« Regarding the team, they have been working hard lately, even at night, and their attention to detail is paying off. A double for the home race is great. Especially since driving at Silverstone is always enjoyable, even more so with the fans showing up and creating a great atmosphere. It was a very beautiful day. »

Christian Horner – Director:

« What a superb team result! There were many team members present today to see what the car could do. I am happy for everyone at Red Bull, the work is being rewarded. It’s incredible. »

« The track suited us quite well and the drivers did the rest. We had been waiting a long time to beat Brawn GP and the improvements made show that we are indeed heading in the right direction.