Big qualifying gap between Red Bull cars

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Sebastian Vettel put his Red Bull on pole again after missing out on the front spot for several races. He managed to keep the McLarens behind. Mark Webber had a more difficult afternoon and was unable to match his teammate's pace. He will start from 6th, behind both Ferrari cars.

Sebastian Vettel, car 1, Pole (3rd Practice – P1, 1:21.168):
“I think it was a very good session for us. The McLarens were very quick, so we’ve done the right thing and I felt much more comfortable this morning. Q1 and Q2 was about getting through to the last session and I’m very pleased with the result. We changed a lot on the car overnight and the boys were working pretty hard and didn’t get much sleep, but I think if we have a result like this it’s the best way to say thanks, so I’m very happy. I’ve got the confidence back, today I felt much more comfortable in the car and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Mark Webber, car 2, 6th (3rd Practice – P4, 1:21.645):
“Third row is not where I want to be – I didn’t get the best out of the car and out of the tyres. KERS was up and down a bit, I didn’t have it in Q2, I had it on the last lap in Q3, but in the end I wasn’t quick enough and couldn’t get the lap time. So, we have to come back tomorrow and see where we are.”

Christian Horner, Team Principal:
“A really close qualifying and a phenomenal effort by Sebastian to get the pole position on the last run, especially after a hard night by all the mechanics. We used the first of our jokers with the curfew, of which we are permitted four in a season, to spend the extra time working on car set-up. He’s repaid them in the best possible way with pole position, which is a great start to the weekend but we’re set for a tough race tomorrow. Unfortunately Mark picked up a KERS issue in Q2; it came available again in Q3, but it hampered his preparation. Nonetheless we know Mark’s a great racer and I’m sure he’ll make good progress from there in tomorrow’s race.”

Cyril Dumont, Renault engineer:
“Another pole position, which is great. I would like to say a big thank you to all the boys working in the garage last night as they worked very hard and didn’t get much sleep. I think today showed it was worth it. Regarding Mark, I think he should have been higher, but he had a KERS issue. No one doubts that he will be back up there tomorrow.”