Australian GP: Red Bull race notes

Racing Bulls 4th and 7th at first Grand Prix The Red Bull Racing team made a flying start to its Formula One career in Melbourne today. After running in the top three for much of the afternoon, David Coulthard took an encouraging fourth place - ...

Racing Bulls 4th and 7th at first Grand Prix

The Red Bull Racing team made a flying start to its Formula One career in Melbourne today. After running in the top three for much of the afternoon, David Coulthard took an encouraging fourth place - ahead of several highly-fancied rivals including Williams, BAR and McLaren. His team-mate Christian Klien also drove strongly to take seventh. Between them, the Red Bull Racing stars notched up seven points - enough to give the team a provisional third place in the world championship for constructors.

David Coulthard:

"I made a good start and managed to get into third place. I struggled a bit initially with a heavy fuel load, then had lots of trouble with traffic and lost chunks of time. I hit a Minardi at one point. A podium finish was achievable today - that would have been a dream start for Red Bull and at one stage I was beginning to dream a little, but I can't complain about fourth place. It is much more than we expected. With Christian scoring points as well, it is a fantastic start for Red Bull Racing."

Christian Klien:

"My start was OK, although I lost one position to Nick Heidfeld's Williams. Then I overtook Villeneuve and got back to sixth position, after which the whole race was pretty good. The car was consistent and the pit stops were OK, so it was a very positive race for us all. It is great that we have scored some points in our first race this season."

Christian Horner, Sporting Director Red Bull Racing:

"It was an unbelievable race for the team. To have David running up there was great. Although we couldn't quite keep a Ferrari and a Renault behind us, fourth and seventh gives us seven points. It is a fantastic start and gives us a great platform for the future."

Gunther Steiner , Technical Director, Red Bull Racing

"The whole team is so pleased! Our expectations were more than fulfilled. Everyone did a fantastic job and now we'll try to continue like this for the rest of the season."

David Prigg , Cosworth Racing

"The TJ2005 engine was strong and trouble-free all weekend. This contributed to a fantastic debut result for Red Bull Racing."