Sebastian Vettel believes that the changes made to his RB6 were vital, after the German took his third pole in four rounds.
Vettel had looked off the pace of team-mate Mark Webber for most of the weekend. However, after altering the car towards the Australian’s set-up and using a different line to navigate around the 3.4 mile circuit, the German was able to snatch pole with a late lap.
The 22-year-old will now be hoping to convert his pole position into race victory, in his bid to catch up with the championship leaders.
Mark Webber is also confident of a strong race tomorrow, despite missing out on pole position. The Australian starts second as Red Bull locked-out the front row of the grid.
Sebastian Vettel – 1st: “It was tough today. I was not happy yesterday and this morning, as Mark was quite a bit quicker than me. We made some changes to the car in Mark’s direction, but it was still extremely difficult. I was struggling in the first sector, but then I got a purple (fastest) time in sector one on my last lap, so I think we made a good step forward! I found a better line that worked, remembering things from last year. I lost my way a little bit in free practice this morning, but I had two very good runs in Q3. I think the first would have already been a good time, but I was too wide in the last corner. The second run was better – it was a fantastic lap. We got a fourth consecutive pole position for Red Bull. We’re proving that we have a very good car, no matter what the circuit. I’m very pleased with today. Thanks to the mechanics, as they had zero lunch due to all the changes that were required between free practice and qualifying.”
Mark Webber – 2nd: “In P3, things came a little bit my way on some of the settings and it was a good battle again between me and Seb. He did a good job in Q3. I’m on the front row which is not a bad position to start from. It’s a big credit to the team that we’ve locked out the front row again, after doing the same in Melbourne it’s very positive. Thanks to the mechanics too. There was stuff coming out last night for our cars that should never have got here with the volcano exploding in Europe. It wasn’t easy for the team to arrange, so it was a great team effort. We’re set for an interesting Grand Prix tomorrow I’m looking forward to it.”
Christian Horner: “I have no idea where Sebastian produced that last lap from, it was quite phenomenal. Mark was in great shape throughout qualifying today and got pipped right at the end there. So, both cars at the front of the grid again for another Red Bull one two. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s race.”
Fabrice Lom (Renault): “I’m very, very happy it’s the fourth pole in a row for Red Bull Renault at a very difficult track for the engine due to the long straight. We are ecstatic to be on the front row again but its Sunday that counts, so we have to concentrate on tomorrow’s race and try to score as we did in Malaysia.”
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