Horner: No doubts about Webber's talent despite Marko's comments
Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner insists that Helmut Marko's recent criticisms of Mark Webber should not be taken as a sign that the Formula 1 team itself has any doubts about the Australian's talent
Marko, a motorsport advisor for Red Bull, told the company's own in-house magazine earlier this month that he felt Webber lacked the consistency and psychological strength to win a world championship.
At the launch of the Red Bull RB9, Horner distanced himself from Marko's opinions.
"We all know Helmut can be outspoken at times. His comments reflected his opinion, and these things can be misinterpreted," Horner said.
"If we weren't happy with Mark we would never have signed him for this year.
"We give both drivers equal opportunity and it's down to what they do on the circuit.
"Certainly in the team, that's the approach and we'll continue to do that.
"For us, it doesn't matter which driver wins as long as it's in one of these cars."
Webber added that he did not let Marko's comments have any effect on his self-belief, and that he would not be at Red Bull if he doubted the team had faith in him.
"I do believe I can have a crack at the championship again this year, as I have done in previous seasons," he said.
"That's what I'm getting up each day thinking.
"The team know I need 100 per cent support. You cannot win world championships with 90 per cent support.
"That's what I'm confident of."
Red Bull RB9 - full coverage:
New RB9 keeps low profile at launch
Red Bull's RB9 in pictures
Horner: No doubts about Webber's talent
Red Bull open to passive DRS concept
Newey: RB9 an evolutionary car
Red Bull launches its 2013 car
Adrian Newey says new Red Bull RB9 an evolutionary car
Red Bull open to passive DRS concept for 2013
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