Vettel returns to Abu Dhabi

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F1 Test, test session, Yas Marina Circuitae

2010 World Champion Sebastian Vettel was back at the wheel of an RB6 today at the Yas Marina Circuit – just five days after taking his historic title at the same venue – for day one of the two-day Pirelli Test in Abu Dhabi.

With four sets of Pirelli tyres available for the first day, Red Bull Racing used the opportunity to gain as much information as possible about them and understand how they work with the car, ahead of the 2011 season.

Sebastian Vettel said: “It was all about the tyres today, as this was the first chance we have had to try them out and work with them to develop the car’s set-up for next year. I think the tyres behaved well, better than expected given the short amount of time Pirelli have had and they’ve done a good job. Pirelli are obviously in the middle of their development and what we used today is not what we will race with, but it was a good start. The circuit was in good condition and we had blue skies all day.

“It was great to be back in the car after an incredible week – I went to Salzburg on Monday morning for a TV show and press conference and then to the UK to say thanks to the team in Milton Keynes – that was quite emotional. It’s nice for me and the team to be able to enjoy our success, but 2011 started today and I was focusing on the tyres and getting to know them – I think we have learned quite a lot.”

Sebastian will be driving again tomorrow for the final day of the two-day test.