Formula One news

Horner admits driver decision was easy

Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner was happy to announce the team's 2009 Formula 1 driver line-up on Thursday afternoon. The Briton admitted it wasn't a difficult decision to choose Sebastian Vettel as Mark Webber's team mate for the upcoming season.

Speaking about the driver announcement Christian Horner said: "We are delighted that Sebastian will be joining us next year. With David Coulthard announcing his retirement as a Formula 1 driver a fortnight ago at the British Grand Prix, after careful consideration, it seemed natural to announce his replacement here at Sebastian's home race in Hockenheim."

"As he was already part of the Red Bull family, choosing Sebastian as Mark Webber's team-mate was not a difficult decision. However, we have always stated that our aim is to have the strongest available driver line-up and Vettel's selection also matches these criteria. Having only turned 21 at the last race and with only 17 Grand Prix starts to his name, he is still on a learning curve, but it is clear that he has plenty of ability and speed.

"We are confident that Red Bull Racing will make the most of these attributes and believe that, in Mark and Sebastian, we have a very competitive driver line-up for 2009."

more news

• 11 Oct.
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  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
  • Hamilton leads first practice in Japan
  • Nakajima pleased with his first F1 season so far
  • Barrichello's advise to Senna: Do not join Honda!
• 09 Oct.
  • Massa focused ahead of vital race weekend
  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
  • New engine for Glock
  • F1 drivers: It's a shame to see Canada go
  • Ecclestone outlines dramatic F1 engine plans
  • Hamilton: I'm stronger and in a better position
  • Alonso: BMW was never a serious option
  • Photos: Thursday at Fuji
  • Japanese Grand Prix technical preview
• 08 Oct.
  • Bridgestone to introduce green tyres in Japan
  • Senna hopes to join Toro Rosso or Honda
  • Di Resta to test McLaren at Silverstone
  • Canadian GP organisers surprised with FIA's decision
  • Ferrari boss eyes maximum points in Japan
  • Fuji Speedway snapshot

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