Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor said their team has decided to go with an advanced upgrade at the start of the season.
The manufacturer has planned the said upgrade to be implemented in China Grand Prix, but it has fast-tracked its plan and will launch their car at full throttle at this year season opening at Australia.
Red Bull has been highly assertive about its prospects for this year’s season after its new engagement with Honda.
The Red Bull had decided to replace their engine supplier from Renault to Honda after evaluating the supplier through Toro Rosso. It has worked rigorously to get the part ready for their launch at Australia
Marko asserted that team is committed to bring things forward and “fully motivated” Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, had worked hard and removed all the possible barriers to bring forth the scheduled upgrades.
“Parts that were planned for the third race were brought forward, thanks to all the pressure he could provide to get them onto the car for Melbourne,” revealed Marko.
Marko has been confident about the new RB15. He showed full confidence in the teams competitiveness to produce the best possible car in many ways.
“Our optimism is not unfounded. I see us behind Ferrari over the race distance, but ahead of Mercedes,” he said.
“The RB15 is certainly the best and most expensive car in the history of Red Bull Racing, if you take efficiency and the technical perfection of the parts.
“[It was only possible] because in every phase every employee was convinced: ‘Now we are back on track. Now we have another chance to drive for victories on our own’.”
Marko to Critics
Marko also responded to the critics who think that Red Bull has exaggerated its expectations from Honda.
He declared that the team was ambitious for this years title.
“There have been many negative voices saying that Honda can’t do it. But we’ve never had such faultless test days,” he said.
“If we have more horsepower, it’s only logical that we have to look forward this year.
“Last year we had four victories. Five victories are realistic. I hope there will be even more.”
