Formula One news

Both Red Bull cars in top five

The Red Bull Racing team completed a positive start to its Malaysian Grand Prix weekend by finished third and fifth in Friday's second practice session at Sepang. Sebastien Vettel experiened a near miss with Nick Heidfeld whilst confirming his status as 'best of the rest' behind the Ferraris, as Mark Webber was satisfied with the reliability of his Renault-powered car and rounded out the top five.

"Today was a lot better for us in terms of reliability than Friday in Melbourne, so it was a big step forward" the Australian confirmed. "Both cars ran well and obviously it's a big challenge for the cars around here with the heat, so that's good. We got all of our programme completed in plenty of time; performance wise, we're not too bad here - we have a bit of work to do tonight, but in general it was a pretty good day for the team and for me."

Ex-Toro Rosso pilot Vettel completed the most laps for the team with 65, as opposed to Webber's 59, by running a slightly different programme to that of his team-mate. "The heat in Malaysia is always a surprise, even if you're here for a couple of days before you jump in the car," the German said. "It's very hot with your suit and everything and, no matter how much you prepare, the first outing is always a bad surprise but you quickly adapt. Today went well, with smooth running; we ran through our programme, did a lot of laps and got a lot of information about our tyres - there were no major problems with either car, so it was a good day."

Apart from his RB5, however, the 21-year-old was also taking special care to manage matters of a more delicate nature. "Every time you come in to the box it's like you've been in the shower," he explained. "Fortunately I've got a bag with dry ice in it which I put next to my balls, so at least they stay nice and cool!"

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010

Homepage