Webber surprised by Red Bull pace in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix

Webber, who currently lies fourth in the drivers' world championship standings, was in the hunt for pole position for the first time this season.

And with team-mate Sebastian Vettel claiming the top spot for tomorrow's race, the defending champion enjoyed its strongest qualifying showing of 2012.

"I'm pretty surprised to be as competitive as we are at a track that is demanding at what are not our strengths, but it is good for the guys," Webber said.

"It is pretty tough on the tyres here, there were a few surprises yesterday, so let's see how it unfolds tomorrow. I have been quite all weekend and feel confident for tomorrow."

Webber felt that he lost out by running ahead of Vettel on track. The Sakhir circuit is famously dusty and appeared to get quicker the longer the session lasted.

"I think it is always beneficial if you go a bit latter," he added. "This track was sensitive all weekend, Seb did a good lap and a good pole.

"It was a pretty good session, qualifying wasn't easy for us, the guys did a great job and pretty happy with P3, right up there at the front."