Helmut Marko: Red Bull to be ‘three tenths faster’ in Spain

May 4 (GMM) Christian Horner thinks Mercedes could be in a winning position in Barcelona — but his Red Bull colleague Helmut Marko doesn’t agree.

While Horner is awaiting the success of Mercedes’ much-vaunted big technical step for the Spanish grand prix, Marko warns that F1′s fastest car is about to get even faster.

“Based on our data – and it is very reliable – I am working on the assumption that in Barcelona we will be at least three tenths faster,” Red Bull’s motor sport consultant said on Austrian TV ‘Sport und Talk aus dem Hangar 7′.

Former F1 driver Dr Marko insisted it is therefore unlikely that Mercedes’ W01 is set to take over as the 2010 pacesetter.

“Realistically, in qualifying, Mercedes was five to seven tenths behind us. We are now three tenths even quicker, which means they would have to make up a second.

“And one second (per lap) is really a lot,” added Marko.

Red Bull is only fifth and third in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships respectively, but Marko is confident the team is in good shape.

“Now that we have such a great package, we are confident that we will achieve our goal of winning the championship this year,” he said.

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