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Red Bull target better reliability for 2008

Red Bull s 2008 car, the RB4, is set to have it s track debut in Jerez next month. The team are hoping that their RB4 will be more reliable than their last offering, particularly given the recent appointment of Geoff Willis.

The Red Bull team made clear improvements last season however they suffered from numerous mechanical failures, particularly with their gearbox and hydraulics, and boss Christian Horner believes that these failures ultimately cost them fourth place in the constructors championship.

“We learnt many lessons during 2007 and obviously reliability is a key topic that the design and development groups are fully focused on,” Horner said. “In 2007 we gave away approximately 24 points as a result of poor reliability, without which we would have been much closer to Renault and ahead of Williams. This is therefore one of our key focuses for 2008. With the same engine as the factory Renault team they, more than any other team, are our barometer. 2008 is certainly set to be another very close season.”

Horner then dismissed claims that the team had discussions with Fernando Alonso over a possible 2008 contract. “S=Speculation regarding Fernando was flattering, in that it demonstrates the significant steps that Red Bull Racing have made in a short time to be considered as a viable team by the double world champion,” he continued.

“However, since we announced our driver line-up in the summer, we have been committed to David and Mark. They did an excellent job for the team in 2007 and remain one of the strongest driver line-ups in F1.”

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