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Vettel: 'Good we stayed at Sakhir'

BAHRAIN, UAE - Multiple Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel hinted earlier in February that crisis-struck Red Bull might have achieved more simply by staying at its factory instead of testing in Bahrain with disastrous results.

Instead, the troubled reigning champion team tested alongside F1's other 10 teams in Bahrain, just two weeks before the revolutionary 2014 season starts.

'RIGHT DECISION'

Vettel admitted to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, as the team continued to struggle with the RB10: "In England we could respond more quickly."

Some insiders think Red Bull will struggle to get beyond the first qualifying session in Melbourne later in March when the season kicks off. Vettel hinted thatRed Bull remained committed to the final pre-season test only to help engine supplier Renault more generally get up to speed.

Vettel said before leaving Bahrain: "I think it was absolutely the right decision to come here (to Bahrain). It is down to us that we have not done enough."

'ANNOYED I CANNOT DRIVE'

Team, boss Christian Horner and Vettel have denied reports that Vettel recently threw a "hissy fit" when he realised the scale of Red Bull's crisis.

Vettel added: "I'm annoyed, of course, that I cannot drive. I think it's worse for the mechanics, crawling around all day on the floor putting the car together for the umpteenth time, but I don't see anybody getting upset, even if it is a hard time at the moment."

And at the end of the day, it might not be all bad for Red Bull - insiders at Mercedes claim that GPS data has proved that when the Adrian Newey-penned car is running properly it is fast through the curves.

Vettel confirmed: "Of the few laps we have had, the feeling was pretty good, but I can't tell you more."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
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