Red Bull Assessment – Team Rewarded for Its Efforts

After a disastrous Friday, the Austrian team powered by Renault managed to turn things around at the end of the weekend. After achieving decent performances in qualifying, both drivers finished today’s race in the top 10.

Webber is best placed with a 7th place finish, and the 2 points that come with it allow Red Bull to open its account in the constructors’ championship. Coulthard couldn’t do anything against Alonso, who finished 8th, and thus ranks 9th.

Mark Webber – 7th:

The start wasn’t fantastic, but we knew that many cars would be equipped with soft tires at that point in the race. I got through the first two corners smoothly and was able to take fourth position. The first stint went well, but during the second, I was struggling a bit with a lack of grip.

« I got stuck behind Sato at a crucial moment in the race, which made me lose about two seconds. My position today should have been in front of Heidfeld. I am happy because I allow Red Bull to score its first two points. The season started badly, but this Sunday’s race restores confidence. A big thank you to Renault.

David Coulthard – 9th:

« There was too much graining on my first set of tires, so I lost nine seconds in the first part of the race, which is very frustrating. It was very hot but we didn’t experience rain, so we avoided the worst. »

Christian Horner – Red Bull Racing Team Principal

« Mark had a good race. He was handicapped by a problem with his air pump. This forced him to stop earlier than expected. Overall, we estimate that this incident cost him between 12 and 15 seconds. »

Unfortunately, Sato found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Marc was battling with Heidfeld for 6th place. David did everything he could with a very difficult car to drive. He was very competitive in the second half of the race. It’s good to leave Sepang with some points on the board.

Fabrice Lom – Renault Engine Manager:

« It’s a good result for the team. We finished in the points for one driver, and the other driver crossed the checkered flag in 9th position. There were some issues, but we managed to fight them to secure two points. A result to confirm in the next race. »