Australian GP: Red Bull relieved to secure front row given weather

The duo came through tricky wet conditions, and a postponed Q2 and Q3, to deliver the top two grid positions, and both admitted that it had been far from straightforward.

"It was definitely not easy in these conditions," said Vettel. "I had a surprising feeling going out for Q3 as the circuit looked quite dry, but once you were committed to the time schedule there was no way back.

"I had two good runs - one on inters and one on dries - and got into the groove. The car felt similar in balance to what I had on Friday, so I was happy and ready to push on the lap.

"It was tricky to find the limit in these conditions, especially in the fast bit, Turns 11 and 12. But overall I am pretty happy with the lap and, as soon as I got confirmation it was enough, I pulled in to save the tyres."

Webber added: "In those conditions it was easy to make errors - that's for the driver, the procedure, and the planning.

"We survived yesterday and got through today close to the maximum we could. It was chaotic to get all the planning right, and all the drivers were frustrated we didn't go to the slicks earlier.

"But only five per cent of the job is done. The big job is this afternoon."

TYRES STILL A FEAR FOR RACE

Both men are cautious about how the tyre strategy will unfold in the race, with the super-soft tyres having been pushed hard in qualifying.

"I think it [the tyre situation] is an unknown at this stage," explained Vettel. "All we can say is that it is surprisingly cool, a lot cooler than we were expecting...

"I don't know what is realistic, it could be a couple of laps or a couple of laps more. We have to go with what we have."

Webber said: "There have to be some calls made on tyres and strategy, and we have to see how the balance of cars are.

"It is going to be a tight GP, as if you are not in the window with tyres and balance, things can blow open."