Horner expects Vettel to push Webber hard

Vettel will join Australian Webber at Red Bull next year, after the team confirmed the young German will replace the retiring David Coulthard.

Coulthard has been often unable to match the performances of his teammate this year, and Horner reckons Vettel is likely to give Webber a harder time.

"He (Vettel) has now completed 17 grands prix in his short career and his progress has been evident for all to see," Horner told autosport.com in Germany.

"He has punched above his weight in a Toro Rosso this year. He tested with our team earlier in the season and left a very strong impression, and I think in Mark and Sebastian we have a very strong line-up.

"We have got a very good balance between youth and experience. I'm sure he will push Mark very hard."

He added: "In Sebastian we have got a very talented youngster and there would have to be an extremely good reason to do anything different from what we have decided.

"I think we have a young driver who could very much be a star of the future. His talent is clear for all to see, and not just from RBR. There has been a lot of interest from other areas of the paddock. We are very happy to have his services for the future."

Horner also believes Red Bull will benefit from knowing their line-up so early.

"I think the progress that the team has made in the last 12 months is the result of the foundations we laid prior to that," added Horner.

"I think you are finally beginning to see the potential of the team. We have got a strong driver line-up for the future. By making this announcement early gives clarity to all the engineering staff in terms of future plans and forward planning.

"It takes away that degree of uncertainty. We have dealt with drivers, we know what they are going to be for 2009, and we can concentrate on getting on with the job."