Red Bull Renault - Chinese GP - Qualifying

Sebastian Vettel was forced to conserve his Red Bull Renault RB5 challenger in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, completing just one run in each of the three sessions. While the driveshaft issue from the morning practice session played on Vettel's mind, he stormed to pole position as the chequered flag waved this afternoon in China. The result is Vettel's second career pole, and the first for Red Bull Renault.

Mark Webber also had a good qualifying run and lines up directly behind his team-mate in third position.

Sebastian Vettel
“I’m very, very happy – it’s unbelievable. It was a bit last minute! I only had one run in each qualifying session but, as you can see, you don’t need more! It wasn’t easy, we had a problem with the car and had to run as little as possible. The car was really quick though, Mark had two runs in each session and was always up there, so I didn’t have any concerns."

"Still, if you have only one lap, you can’t make any mistakes. I’m really happy – we made it to pole position in the end! This morning wasn’t ideal, but it seems the less I run in the morning, the better it is in qualifying! A big thanks to the mechanics, who have been working very, very hard, basically all night, and thanks to all the team back in Milton Keynes too. We made it!"

"I’m looking forward to tomorrow, it’s a long race and there’s a long way to go, but we have the best starting position.”

Mark Webber
“What a result! The work that’s gone into this from the team, especially over the last few weeks, has been incredible. It would have been good to have both cars on the front row, but Fernando did a great job.
I was expecting to be a little bit tighter in the end, but we’ll see how the fuel loads pan out tomorrow. We’ve done a good job."

"Q2 was strong for us and the car is behaving well, with a lot of grip. I’m doing what I can to give the youngster (Seb) a hard time, we’re pushing each other hard and it’s working very well!”

Christian Horner
“A fantastic team result and the team’s first pole position that was brilliantly executed by Sebastian. He stuck to a disciplined strategy, which paid off and now he starts tomorrow’s race with a clear track in front of him – the best place to be."

"Mark has also been absolutely on it all weekend. I’m delighted with the performance and the effort that has gone into this today, not only here in Shanghai, but also in Milton Keynes. The whole team has been working really hard, but now we have to convert it. Tomorrow will be a big day!”

Fabrice Lom, Renault
"It’s fantastic, such a good qualifying result – one and three! After all the politics that has gone on, now it’s about racing and it’s great to be in the position we are for tomorrow. We have three Renault engines in the top three, so a great day for Renault.”