Rivals dismiss Horner claim

Date published : 01 Sep 2010 - 15:30:54

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has been scoffed at by his closest rivals for suggesting the Italian Grand Prix will be his team's "weakest" of the year.

Horner is pessimistic of Red Bull's chances on September 12 on a Monza circuit that boasts long straights interspersed by three chicanes.

Horner insists the track is "McLaren territory" and that "a tough weekend" looms for drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel. "For once, I really hope Christian is right," joked McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

Such comments, though, have amused Whitmarsh and Ferrari counterpart Stefano Domenicali, who feel Horner may be pulling the wool over people's eyes.

Whitmarsh added: "People are saying we're going to be very strong there, but I don't know how they deduce that.

"We'll aim to be as strong as we can, and I hope everyone is right in their confidence for us. I'm not sure how. They must have more information than me."

Domenicali was also sceptical of Horner's remarks, saying: "The weakest track for them? I would love to be in their position. You can tell Christian that.

"I would love to have the weakest situation for Monza, but I don't think so.

"They have a very good car. The numbers speak for themselves. Let's see if it is just tactics or if it is true."