David Coulthard and Christian Klien finished the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix in seventh and eighth position
today to collect three more FIA Championship points for both themselves and the team. After an impressive start from the grid, which
saw David move up four places through the field and Christian three, both drivers delivered determined performances aboard their
RB1s. While five F1 drivers retired from the demanding 58-lap race, the Red Bull Racing duo maintained competitive pace and
delivered a result that ensured the team maintained its sixth position in the FIA Constructors’ Championship.
DAVID
COULTHARD, (Car 14) Finish Position: 7; Time: 1:25:43.750; Chassis No.: 3; Engine: TJ027; Start Position: 12 (T-car: Set up for
David Coulthard, Engine: TJ025)
David Coulthard: “Well, that was a pretty good result. I was happy with the overall
performance of the car throughout the race and, although we still have a few issues regarding the down-force level at top speed, the
balance of the car felt good. We had some understeer at the start, but made a wing adjustment during the first pit stop to create
more down-force and after that it was much better. Otherwise, there were no issues at all during the race and I’m happy we
collected three points.”
Christian Klien: “That was a really tough race, really tough. I was pushing hard on
every single lap – there was no let up at all and this track needs 110 per cent of concentration all the time. We got one point at
the end, which is pretty good I think, especially considering our qualifying position so I’m pleased.”
Christian Horner,
Sporting Director: “After the penalty of having to go out to qualify first and second here, to finish the weekend in seventh
and eighth is pretty good. It also means we maintain sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship which is great, especially at
this stage in the season, and we’ll certainly be fighting very hard in the next few races to stay there. The strategic team, the
engineers and the mechanics all did an excellent job today. The pit stops were fast and it was a strong, disciplined performance.
The drivers did a superb job and I’m pleased with the result.”
Günther Steiner, Technical Director: “Our
strategy worked well. Realistically we didn’t come here expecting very much after our Hungarian result and difficult qualifying
positions. Therefore, to come away with three points is pretty good. The guys who worked on the strategy did a great job and staying
out for a long time on the first stint worked well for us. That was definitely a major factor in the final result, but I must also
say well done to the drivers who didn’t stop pushing for a second. The fact that there were no significant problems with the car
during the race is also very encouraging.”
Simon Corbyn, Head of Cosworth F1 Race Engineering: “Cosworth
delivered a solid performance in Istanbul and had no engine problems throughout the weekend, culminating in another double points
scoring finish for Red Bull Racing. Christian in particular did a great job of maximising available engine performance to defend his
position. New TJ2005 Series 12 engines will be installed on schedule for the Monza GP.
