Horner plays down overheating problems

The new RB2 was having its first major run following a shakedown in December, but it suffered from serious overheating problems, which in turn caused a number of breakdowns.

Although the team tried to find a temporary solution in Jerez, cutting holes in the bodywork, it is likely that a major revamp will be necessary because the current temperatures experienced in testing are not nearly as high as those expected for Bahrain and Malaysia at the start of the season.

Speaking to autosport.com, Horner insisted that the situation was under control and said the team had brought their car out so early just in case they suffered such problems.

"Inevitably with any new car you are going to have some teething problems, and that is one of the reasons why we pushed to get the car out early," he said. "With the new engine and new electronics, we expected there to be this kind of scenario.

"By getting the car out early it gives us the chance to address the issues, to make sure we are fully reliable for the first race."

Horner said he remains calm about the situation - especially because some other teams are also suffering overheating issues - and a new aero package due to run next month should help alleviate some of the problems.

"The definitive aero package is not on the car yet. That will be seen during the next month, so for sure all the teething problems will be addressed. But it (the overheating) is not unique to us and we brought the car out early just in case we had this kind of scenario.

"Speed-wise, you cannot really say much about the car yet. There was no performance testing in Jerez, it was all just reliability stuff - putting mileage on various components.

"But the initial feeling from the drivers is that they are quite happy with it. We will get a much better idea of its performance when the new aero package comes on tap further down the road."

Horner is also keen to play down the mounting expectations surrounding the team - especially on the back on their coup of capturing the services of highly-rated designer Adrian Newey.

"I think it is very important that our feet remain on the ground," he added. "We are going to have a year of consolidation in many respects. Adrian has just joined us and the Bedford wind tunnel has just come on stream in the last few weeks, so we are looking to move forwards from where we were last year.

"But we remain focused on what our targets are. Rome wasn't built in a day, so we will see progression this year."