F1 teams will struggle with new rules, says Webber

Formula One star Mark Webber predicted today new rules for 2009 will play havoc with teams at the start of the season.

The Red Bull driver said teams would have to work frantically during the off-season to adapt to the regulations, which include slick tyres and key aerodynamic changes.

He expected many cars would be unreliable until the teams worked out how best to work with the changes.

“No-one knows who’s going to have the best package,” Webber said.

“I think we’re going to have cars that are unreliable at the start of the year.

“We’re going to have a long winter testing program in front of us. The cars are going to need a lot of sorting because there’s so much new stuff.

“The regulations have been stable for the last four or five years but we’ve got such a new slate next year and that’s going to be the challenge for the teams.”

Webber will be joined in the Red Bull garage next season by F1’s latest sensation, 21-year-old German Sebastian Vettel, who recently became the sport’s youngest grand prix winner when he took out the Italian race.

“Sebastian’s had an amazing year,” Webber said.

“Obviously he’s finishing off very strongly. He had a tough start and it’s a real credit to Red Bull that they’ve nurtured a talent like that.

“Now he’s going to be my teammate next year which I’m looking forward to.

“The Germans obviously produce good drivers and he’s another youngster coming through.”

While Vettel has been promoted from the Toro Rosso team to the main squad, Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz has forecast he might have trouble retaining him long-term.

Mateschitz said “half of the grid is chasing” Vettel, following his startling breakthrough victory.

He has scored 27 of Toro Rosso’s 31 points this season and is currently eighth in the drivers’ championship.

“Half of the F1 grid is chasing him, but Sebastian does not have any thoughts of moving out of Red Bull, nor have I,” Mateschitz said. “He is part of our family.

“We would be disappointed if he would propose to leave. However, he has earned a right for one of the best cars in one of the best teams, so we are obliged to offer him this at Red Bull Racing next season.”

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has already predicted Vettel will be a future world champion.

“After his win in Italy I’m sure of it - he will win the championship one day.

“Sebastian is young, smart and friendly so he is the ideal example for other young drivers who one day hope to join the F1 circus,” Ecclestone said.

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