Formula One news

Engine situation not slowing Red Bull, says Vettel

After experiencing an unfortunate string of engine failures this season, Sebastian Vettel is pleased to say that the Red Bull team has proven its worth in the last two races by taking victories with each of its drivers in Japan and Brazil. The German is confident after Friday in Abu Dhabi, finishing fourth quickest.

Despite being slowed by the Ferrari of Giancarlo Fisichella on his final flying lap, Vettel was pleased with the overall performance of the cars from Milton Keynes. "So, that was the last Friday practice of this year," he summed up. "I'd like to say thanks to Renault - many people didn't believe that we'd succeed without having to change an engine but here we are, having completed a lot of miles on another Friday without a single problem.

"Abu Dhabi is a new circuit, so new conditions - including starting driving in the daylight and finishing the session at night, which is quite exciting. Obviously, the circuit was very green and slippery to begin with, but overall it's quite a thrill to drive, with some good corners. It's also pretty special to go under a hotel! Performance wise, we're looking quite good. We didn't know what to expect around here, but it seems as though we're quite competitive, although we will have to wait to see how competitive."

"A productive first day at a new track," team-mate Mark Webber added. "We had an engine change between P1 and P2 - the guys did a brilliant job to get the car turned around in time. Other than that, we got on with the normal tyre comparisons and other tests we do on a Friday - so, although a new track, a normal Friday. The track's pretty good - it's not Spa, but it's also not Bahrain! It's not bad."

more news

• 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
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn
  • No early Brawn exit for Button
  • 'Unfinished business' for Räikkönen
  • 2010: How the grid is shaping up
• 18 Nov.
  • Button move a mistake, says Stewart
  • Donington goes into administration
  • Villeneuve working on F1 comeback
  • Whitmarsh: Money not the reason for Button move
  • Hamilton: Button arrival fantastic news
  • Button: Difficult decision to leave Brawn

Homepage